The Para athletics events made the last day of National School Sports Games competitions an exciting one in the Athletics Stadium. It was the first time they were included in this tournament, thanks to the legacy that the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games left.

Students with some type of impairment competed in the Para athletics events with great enthusiasm in front of a good number of spectators that gathered in this modern venue built for Lima 2019. When the competition concluded, Para athlete and Parapan American Games medalist Carlos Felipa awarded some medals to tournament winners.

Also included in these Games were Para swimming and sitting volleyball; students from all across the country participated.

Over 2600 students from 24 regions of the country participated in various competitions, which took place in two of the venues built for the Lima 2019 Games: the Athletics Stadium and the Aquatic Center, both located in Videna.

It was in the Athletics Stadium that the Para athletics competitions took place for the first time. They were included in this edition of the National School Sports Games after the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, demonstrating the legacy they are leaving for the country.

The National School Sports Games were held from September 16 to today.

In front of an auditorium of representatives from various companies and trades that participate in the 19th edition of Quality Week, the president of the Lima 2019 Games Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus Tudela, presented the “Reasons for Lima 2019’s Success,” as a management model for large projects.

In this event, organized by the National Society of Industries through the Industrial Development Center, Neuhaus presented the key factors that influenced the delivery and organization of the most important multi-sports celebration in the continent, which was considered as the best in history by international organizations.

Among the reasons for success, Neuhaus pointed out the implementation of a new procurement, innovation and transparency model, with tools like the NEC, for a new project management, which allowed delivering the Games with a lower budget than that originally planned.

Furthermore, Neuhaus emphasized the transparent hiring process for construction works, the new management model, the view of legacy, technical assistance and transfer of knowledge were all possible thanks to the Government-to-Government Agreement signed with the UK.

The president of lima 2019 stated that one of the main decisions that helped to deliver the Games was the optimization of resources, such as only building the necessary towers in the Pan American and Parapan American Village and transferring the Sports Center in San Isidro to Villa El Salvador. Thus, Lima 2019 cost less than the programmed budget, which has not been the case in other Games that went over their initial budgets.

Neuhaus highlighted the major projects carried out by his organization, such as the National Sports Village (Videna), the main competition center during the Games; the Villa El Salvador Sports Center; the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center; the Callao Regional Sports Village; the National University of San Marcos stadium; and the High-performance Surf Center in Punta Rocas.

In this context, Neuhaus said that, thanks to Lima 2019, Peru has quality sports infrastructure that is already being used for different events, such as the National School Sports Games in Videna, the National Hockey Championship in the fields of Villa María del Triunfo and volleyball tournaments in Callao.

After his presentation, Carlos Neuhaus received a recognition from Luis Tenorio, the director of the Industrial Development Center of the National Society of Industries and was applauded by the audience.

The president of the Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus Tudela, stated that Lima 2019 leaves a new model of procurement, innovation and transparency as legacy, with tools like the NEC, the new project management that allowed carrying out and organizing the event with a lower budget than that originally planned.

At the “Public Management and Infrastructure 2019” discussion group, which the minister of Economics, Carlos Oliva, and the UK ambassador to Peru, Kate Harrisson attended, among others, the Lima 2019 leader explained the reasons for the success of the organization and delivery of the Pan American and Parapan American Games in Peru. He gave this presentation exactly three years to the day he was appointed to lead this historical Lima 2019 project.

Among other factors that helped with the success of this multi-sports event in Peru, Neuhaus emphasized the transparent hiring process for construction works, the new management model, the perception of legacy, technical assistance and transfer of knowledge. “This was a model that incorporated private project management tools into the public sector,” said the leader of Lima 2019.

Neuhaus also spoke about the numbers that the Pan American and Parapan American Games generated, which helped activate the economy with an impact of 5.2 billion soles for the various activities. Additionally, 500 thousand direct and indirect jobs were generated and 203 MYPES benefited during the Games.

Likewise, the country’s exposure worldwide was valued at over 1 billion soles. Close to 750 thousand people attended the Games, generating an income of 16.6 million soles. A total of 11,315 volunteers participated in Lima 2019 and 1000 hours of competitions and ceremonies were broadcast.

Neuhaus also stated that 36,460 transfers of athletes and technical officials were conducted without anyone arriving late to their competition. He added that the Lima 2019 Games were the first green Games as they promoted waste collection policies to reduce the carbon footprint, which resulted in saving 1500 trees from being cut down.

During his presentation, the president of Lima 2019 also said that the support of the Government and Legislative Decrees 1248 and 1335 were key, because they made it possible to have automatic licenses for construction and sign the Government-to-Government agreement with the United Kingdom for infrastructure project management.

He also highlighted the support of the Armed Forces in leveling the land where the infrastructure was built, the execution of construction with partial approval of files, the ability to sign agreements for each project and the resource management agreements, as well as the special procedure for volunteering.

OPTIMIZING RESOURCES

Neuhaus pointed out that, in Lima 2019, resources were optimized by not building more towers in the Pan American and Parapan American Village and by not building the Sports Center in San Isidro, but in Villa El Salvador for a third of the cost. Also, construction works for taxes were executed, such as the High Performance Surfing Center in Punta Rocas.

The Lima 2019 Games president stated that the Government-to-Government agreement with the UK was based on legacy, infrastructure, PMO, procurement and operational sports management.

During his presentation, the minister of Economics emphasized the legacy Lima 2019 is leaving behind in terms of management tools for the public sector, acknowledging the PMO, which was an important part of the success of the Lima 2019 Games. This will be replicated in the main projects that the Government will implement.

He also mentioned the hiring mechanisms and the NEC. “This contract made by engineers for engineers, as proposed in the 2019 Lima Games, will be used in certain projects for which we are making some legal changes,” he asserted.

The minister said that another of Lima 2019’s legacies is the use of the BIM (Building Information Modeling) system, for the form and design of the 52 projects that the Government will implement.

Over 2300 doping controls and 3000 analyses were carried out on athletes and Para athletes who participated in the Lima 2019 Pan American Games and Parapan American Games. These figures are higher than the ones recorded in previous editions of the Games.

All samples were sent via Fedex to Montreal, Canada—where the laboratory accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is located—and arrived at their destination in less than 72 hours, from the time of collection, maintaining the cold chain to preserve the samples in perfect condition.

According to the Lima 2019 Medical Services department, an integral system of assistance services was implemented including: medical teams in training and competition fields, first-aid stations, advanced medical posts and polyclinics, which allowed the provision of more than 6000 medical services.

During the Pan American Games, close to 4500 medical services were provided and during the Parapan American Games, over 1500 services were provided to athletes, delegation officials, Games Family, spectators, volunteers and workers.

In each Village, such as the Pan American and Parapan American Village, Naval Academy, Paracas, Lunahuaná, Huacho and Bujama, there was a polyclinic to provide medical care. Emergency services were available 24 hours a day, and external consultation, rehabilitation, imaging and laboratory, dentistry and pharmacy services were offered.

In addition, during the Pan American Games, there were 23 public sector ambulances and 62 private sector ambulances for referrals and emergency assisted transportation. On the day of greatest demand, 62 of these were deployed within the competition and non-competition venues, especially for the transfer of patients with problems arising from injuries and illnesses, whether athletes, spectators, volunteers, etc.

AEROMEDICAL EVACUATION SYSTEM

Likewise, the Aeromedical Evacuation System was implemented with the participation of the Armed Forces and the Peruvian National Police. Aircrafts, helicopters and airplanes, considered for air ambulances services, were available in the event of any emergency.

If a situation warranted the referral of patients for a better resolution, there was also a network of public and private health facilities available for them. This way, in both events, 240 medical referrals were made to clinics with better problem resolution capabilities, 79 MRIs, 12 CT scans, 22 hospitalizations and 10 surgical procedures.

An important number of professionals and technicians provided the corresponding support to these great events. There were approximately 1200 people from the private sector accredited to provide medical services in the competition and training venues during the Pan American Games and Parapan American Games. As from the public sector, more than 1300 people were accredited to provide medical services to spectators and workers in competition venues.

This operation was successfully provided thanks to the inter-institutional coordination that allowed the joint work between the public and private entities, among them are: IBT Health; Alerta Médica; Rímac Seguros; the clinic network; the Ministry of Health with its General Directorates and Institute; the Directorates of the Integrated Health Networks of Lima; the Regional Governments of Lima, Callao and Ica and their Health Directorates; the Ministry of the Internal Affairs with the Police Health and the Directorate of Police Aviation; the Fire Department of Peru; the Municipality of Lima with SISOL; the Ministry of Defense; ESSALUD; and the volunteers.

The Peruvian Para athletes lived a unique experience that afternoon. They were recognized last Sunday by the Alianza Lima Club after their excellent performance at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, where they won 15 historic medals. It was their best participation in the largest multi-sports event in the continent.

The Lima 2019 gold medalists,Pedro Pablo De Vinatea (Para badminton) and Angélica Espinoza (Para taekwondo), as well as the bronze medalists Rodrigo Santillán (Para swimming) and Jesús Salvá (Para badminton), were recognized during the match between Alianza Lima and Real Garcilaso from Cusco,

Members of the Para badminton, football 5-a-side, sitting volleyball, Para swimming, football 7-a-side and Para taekwondo delegations also participated in this ceremony and enjoyed the football match of Alianza Lima. The crowd at the stadium praised the efforts of the Para athletes who brought joy to the country.

Photo: National Paralympic Association of Peru.

Fifteen children eagerly awaited Lima 2019 Ambassador, Dunia Felices.  The young students at Centro Educativo Especializado Kullay school, dressed in the Peruvian flag colors, prepared a special medal for her and drawings of her, which decorated the classroom.

When she entered, the children shouted her name in unison and applauded her. “It's been very motivating for me to receive this recognition from Kullay’s schoolchildren. Here they work with children diagnosed with different conditions, but what I'll take with me today is the love and desire they put into life,” Dunia said.

“They have made me a medal with a K for Kullay, which means love, and I see myself sitting without any restrictions, with my stumps, next to the swimming pool. I never imagined I'd be welcomed like this; they used art, painting and I'm so touched by this,” she said.

One of the most significant moments was when Dunia introduced Milco, Lima 2019 official mascot. “They knew who Milco was, who Dunia was, and I feel very proud of it, because as an Ambassador it was my duty to carry the spirit of the Games. That is the great legacy that Lima 2019 leaves in the hearts of all Peruvians,” she stressed.   

School Principal Viviana Salvador could not conceal her joy at having Dunia and Milco, who spread joy among the children who, in turn, learned a lot about the Pan American and Parapan American Games. “They love Milco; he's a character that has earned a place in the heart of all Peruvians. Our kids have difficulties, so Dunia's presence is a motivation for them to work hard, push forward and keep going. They leave us with a great lesson about life, courage and never giving up,” she said.

Dunia recently participated in the World Swimming Championship in London. “It's a difficult and long path, but Lima 2019 has been my biggest motivation to aim for the Paralympic Games and I will work toward that goal,” concluded the Lima 2019 Ambassador.

One of the most impressive venues that hosted the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games in Peru, and which will remain as legacy for Peruvian sports, is the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center located in this Southern Lima district.

This venue received today the special visit of children from PRONOEI “Semillitas del Saber”, located in José Gálvez, Villa María del Triunfo. They arrived in the hope of developing their project “Learning more about the places and materials used in different sports championships,” and toured each of the Pan American and Parapan American Games’ stages.

The children, led by their teacher Carmen Cruz Valqui, visited the rugby, hockey, softball and baseball stadiums, as well as the modern Aquatic Center, where water polo competitions were held at the Pan American Games. Each of the children's questions was answered by those in charge of the venue, who joined them in their visit.

“Children were happy, because they were excited about visiting this venue, which is in our district.” The facilities are impressive and our students will now be able to organize their mini Pan American Games. They have already made their weights and various materials for their own competition,” mentioned teacher Carmen Cruz. 

“Many of them are low-income; this is why visiting this venue is a wonderful experience for them. All the sports stages will contribute to the development of this district and the surrounding neighborhoods. At José Gálvez we don't have a sports center like this. We're very happy and thankful after visiting this venue,” she said.

Lima 2019 allowed the construction and remodeling of a modern sports infrastructure, which has remained as a legacy for future national and international competitions, as well as for the preparation of athletes.

Starting tomorrow, Las Palmas Shooting Range in Surco, one of the new venues delivered for Lima 2019 for shooting and Para shooting events, will host the 6th Ibero-American Shotgun Championships in skeet and trap modalities, which will count on the participation of 40 shooters from Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala and Brazil, as well as national representatives.

Giorgio Mautino, Lima 2019 spokesperson, said that this event demonstrates that these venues are fully operational and in the best conditions, as they were during the Pan American and Parapan American Games.

“The days after the Games are as important as the Games themselves. The infrastructure will be required by many countries and that will allow a continuity of events. We are regularizing everything related to the delivery of the venues and we hope that the use will be spectacular.” “The Pan American and Parapan American Games have left a legacy in terms of sports culture, because many people have seen opportunities in many sport disciplines,” said Mautino.

Francisco Boza, Olympic medalist in Los Angeles 1984, also addressed the importance of using the sports infrastructure. “Let it be the beginning of great international events, so that people can take advantage of this Shooting Range, which is one of the best in the world.” He also added that “this venue is complete, as all three weapons can be used. Peru needed this sports infrastructure, we are now reaching international standards.”

For his part, Nicolás Pacheco—Pan American medalist and qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics—who will be participating in this international event, mentioned that “for me, this Shooting Range is one of the best in the world and a dream come true. We will be able to hold first-class championships. Also, a venue like this will allow me to improve my record and achieve my dream of claiming an Olympic medal for my country.” 

SCHOOL SPORTS GAMES AT VIDENA

Simultaneously, VIDENA will be stage of the 27th National School Sports Games until September 27, with the participation of 2600 students from 24 regions. One of the first venues to be used was the modern Aquatic Center, one of the best in the continent, where 13-year-old Alexia Sotomayor—who was part of the Peruvian Pan American delegation—showcased her skills after winning three gold medals in the 50 m freestyle, 50 m backstroke and relay events.

At VIDENA, students from all over the country also compete in the new Athletics Stadium, under the same conditions offered to the top athletes and Para athletes who participated at the Pan American and Parapan American Games.

VILLA MARÍA DEL TRIUNFO

Meanwhile, the National Hockey Championship will be inaugurated this Sunday in the two hockey pitches built at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center, which will reopen its doors for this competition. Admission will be free.

This will be an unprecedented event, as this is the first time a tournament of this discipline will be held in the country; a clear example of the Lima 2019 legacy. A total of nine teams will participate: four in women’s and five in men’s. The teams in women’s will be: San Silvestre Sport, Colegio Mater Admirábilis, OMA and Lima Cricket. The teams in men’s will be: OMA, Lions, Libardoni, Lima Cricket and Santa María Sport.

Competitions will start this Sunday 22 at 09:00 in the Villa Maria’s main pitch, with the matches between San Silvestre Sport vs. Mater Admirábilis (women’s); OMA vs. Lima Cricket (men’s) and Lima Cricket vs. OMA (women’s). Pitch 2 will host the match between Santa María Sport vs. Lions (men’s) starting at 12:00.

See the photo gallery here

The successful organization and development of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games is an example that can be replicated in other public institutions because of the management model applied to hold the Americas' most important multi-sports event. 

For this reason, Congresswoman Alejandra Aramayo invited the President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus, to share the successful experience with the management model applied at the Games, in the First Technical Working Group known as “Mechanisms for Prioritization, Execution and Innovation of the Procurement System in the Healthcare Sector”. 

Neuhaus said that the Games' success was achieved by applying several mechanisms for rapid budget execution, including the Government-to-Government agreement which supported the management of the works execution model, the incorporation of the Project Management Office (PMO) and, for infrastructure works, the NEC (New Engineering Contract), “which made it possible to move forward with the construction work without delays.” “Everything about bids and calls was posted on the website, so we had an average of up to 40 bidders for each project,” Neuhaus emphasized. 

Juan Carlos Meléndez, head of the Lima 2019 Administration Office, also participated in the meeting, explaining the procurement systems for the Games. “We applied different procurement methods. We included a platform to record proposals for foreign suppliers and thus boost international competition, which allowed us to obtain lower prices. We also implemented software remotely connected to the National Registry of Suppliers to invite all Government suppliers to quote in a transparent way,” he said. 

Meléndez stated that the expenses of the Lima 2019 project reached PEN 582 million, in terms of acquisitions of goods and services, while PEN 1277 million was allocated to infrastructure works. In addition, through a resource management agreement with UNOPS, an amount of PEN 386 million was implemented. In addition, goods amounting to PEN 24 million were procured through the “Compras a MyPerú” program, benefiting over 300 micro and small enterprises. 

Among the recommendations made by Lima 2019 for the healthcare system procurement is strengthening the framework agreement to meet immediate needs. Carlos Neuhaus pointed out the need to be creative and do things well, as well as to generate spaces for competition to lower prices, and apply anti-corruption mechanisms, as was done in Lima 2019, making the entire process transparent. 

The Peruvian School Sports Games are underway and three Para sports have been included in this school tournament for the first time, based on the recent success of the Parapan American Games. 

The competition for school students was opened last Monday 16 with the presence of Peruvian President Martín Vizcarra, Minister of Education Flor Pablo, Minister for Women Affairs Gloria Montenegro, Minister of Foreign Trade Edgar Vásquez, as well as the Lima 2019 President Carlos Neuhaus and various authorities. 

Para swimming, Para athletics and sitting volleyball competitions will be held for the first time at the School Games, something highlighted by President Vizcarra. “We're living these Games with the same enthusiasm as Lima 2019. Inclusion is part of the Games' legacy, so making these three Para sports part of this event is worthy of note. This is how he start becoming an integrated society. In addition, competitions will be held at the venues where Lima 2019 events took place. The efforts involved in constructing these premises are for the citizens. The competitions will be held at the venues and facilities will be provided for training,” said the President. 

Milco, the Lima 2019 Official Mascot, also participated in the opening of this school sports event. Medalists such as Pilar Jáuregui, Pedro Pablo de Vinatea, María Fernanda Reyes, Carlos Felipa and José María Lúcar participated in these Games' opening event.