Culturaymi, the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games cultural program closes its doors this Saturday, August 31, with wide range of activities you cannot miss. The popular female orchestra Son Tentación are the closing act for the celebration and thousands of people are expected to attend the show.

Orquestando Big Orquestra (Minedu) performance will be held from 18:30 at the Fun Fest Auditorium. At 20:15, the outstanding theater group Yuyachkani will perform one of their most popular acts: The Arts

The female salsa group Son Tentacion will end the show with an awaited concert that promises to be full of people who want to see all the group members and listen to their songs. It is absolutely free.

On other big Culturaymi stage, el Morisco, there will be performances of Caoba (19:00), Nijah Breda with Ysabel Omega (20:25), Ray Callao (19:50) and La Sonora Patronal (23:20).

Special Olympics will present Rebeca Mari Suárez, a 18-year-old girl with Down syndrome who will delight us with her voice in the Culturaymi Auditorium at 15:00. Later that day, at 19:30, there will be a sensory theater play named “Carga Visual: Episodios Escénicos”, aimed at people with visual impairment.

Other activities for children will be held at the Lima Art Museum (MALI), with the workshop: “Make a Milco comic poster” at 14:00; in addition, the theater play called “Sirenas y Pescadores” will be performed at 16:00 

The enthusiastic and colorful parades will be noticed at Plaza de las Banderas (Fuente China) with Uku Pacha, Pasacalle Diablada and Pasacalle from the Asociación Central Folclórica Puno from 16:00, to celebrate with joy the success of this cultural event that offered a program never seen before in Lima.

Art, theater, music, literature, dance, gastronomy, crafts, public service and much more were showcased these days where people enjoyed and relaxed, alongside the Pan American and Parapan American Games. 

Additionally, the different concerts held at Culturaymi have been performed on stages with large screens, multi-colored lights and flawless sound. It was a great opportunity for families to have fun, for free and in an accessible site. This was an unforgettable moment for the ones that could enjoy such a variety of options.

Grand finale Around 5 000 people will attend the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games Closing Ceremony to be held on Sunday, September 1, at 19:00 at the Athletics Stadium in VIDENA (National Sports Village) in San Luis. The main show will have the participation of We The Lion, Laguna Pai, Eva Ayllón and Hermanos Yaipen.

Tickets for this ceremony are already sold out, so no tickets are for sale. Spectators must show their ID and ticket, including minors and senior citizens.

Because of the great attendance expected, the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee (COPAL) and the Peruvian National Police (PNP) have taken all the necessary security measures and provided recommendations to spectators, one of them is about public transportation:

Before leaving your home:

• Remember that you must enter the Athletics Stadium through Gate 10 located at Av. Canadá.
• The venue will open at 17:00.
• The ceremony will start at 19:00 and will last approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
• Seats are not numbered.
• All minors under the age of 18 must have an entry ticket and be accompanied by an adult.

Do not bring:

• Plastic or glass bottles.
• Banners, bicycles, scooters, weapons, aerosols, alcoholic beverages or unprocessed food.
• Pets
• Only packaged products with sanitary registration will be allowed. To get to the Athletics Stadium, use the public transportation available in Lima.
• Do not come with particular vehicles.

Road Closures

Av. Canadá, Av. San Luis and Av. Del Aire will be partially closed, at all times.

NOTE: The Athletics Stadium is prepared to receive spectators with an impairment who need to attend in wheelchairs. It has more than 50 spaces to facilitate their movement.

Para badminton is a sport with a great participation of the Peruvian delegation in Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, because two Peruvian badminton players qualified to the semifinals in their respective categories.

This is the case of Pedro Pablo de Vinatea and Pilar Jauregui, who passed undefeated to this decisive stage of the competition in categories SL3 and WH2, respectively.  De Vinatea beat Cuban Rolando Bello in 36 minutes by 21-11 and 21-13 and will look to qualify to the final when he faces him again at 15:00.

Jauregui beat also Cuban Maydelin Soriano, in group A, with a score of 21-1 and 21-7 in just 17 minutes.  Now, she will seek to beat Soriano again.

PERUVIAN DAY

The Peruvian fanbase “La Blanquirroja” and many fans who gathered at the Sports Center 3 of the National Sports Village (VIDENA) in San Luis and cheered for the different Peruvian representatives playing today.

Héctor Salva despite losing to Brazilian Tavares by 21-7 and 21-6, never stopped receiving signs of support from the stands. The same thing happened with the Peruvian couple formed by Robert Fajardo and Ronald Miranda, who, after a great match, lost to the Brazilian duo formed by Cano and Soares 21-8 and 21-13.

The same happened to Peruvian Alberto Cadenillas, who lost to the Brazilian Cavalli (21-10 and 21-4). Pablo Cueto and Jenny Ventocilla in doubles faced up to the situation and fought until the end against Almeida and Rosso of Brazil. The game was very even, however, the Peruvian couple lost by (21-9 and 21-18).

They are Para athletes, examples of self-improvement, and share the responsibility of being Lima 2019 Ambassadors. Their mission is to promote sports, Olympic and Paralympic values.

Dunia Felices, Pedro Pablo de Vinatea, Israel Hilario and Pilar Jáuregui embody the Pan American and Parapan American Games values, such as excellency, friendship, respect, courage, determination, equality and inspiration. 

The four ambassadors continue filling us with emotion and today they will be participating in their disciplines and earning more victories for Peru. Dunia Felices will compete today in 200 m freestyle at the Aquatic Center of the National Sports Village (VIDENA). Pedro Pablo de Vinatea and Pilar Jáuregui will continue competing in Para badminton, collecting more medals for Peru; while Israel Hilario took the victory in Para cycling road today in the Costa Verde beach circuit.

The Organizing Committee of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games (COPAL) developed the Ambassadors Program to promote the sports, Olympic and/or Paralympic values through outstanding athletes and Para athletes and different communication platforms.

But, who are these outstanding athletes? Get to know them a little more:

Dunia Felices

Dunia Felices was appointed as Lima 2019 Ambassador because she is the best example of a hard-working athlete. She never gave up and, thanks to that, has achieved all her objectives since the beginning of her sports career.

The Peruvian Para swimmer won the silver medal in August 2017 at the Medellin Para Swimming Open in Colombia.  Dunia, who was born in Sarhua, Ayacucho, set a time of 1.44.39 in 50 meters butterfly.

She also claimed three gold medals at the Barranquilla 2018 Paralympic Open in 50 m and 100 m freestyle, and 50 m butterfly.

At the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, she won a bronze medal thanks to her outstanding participation in the women's 50 m butterfly final round, category S5 (S1-S4).

Pedro Pablo de Vinatea

This Lima 2019 Ambassador is a good example of dedication and strength. Badminton has always been his passion: after losing one of his lower extremities, he continued practicing this sport until he became an excellent athlete.

Pedro Pablo worked hard and won the gold medal at the 2014 II Athletics & Swimming Open Championships held in Medellin in 2014 (Colombia).

The Peruvian Pedro Pablo de Vinatea made a great debut at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, after beating 2-0 Brazilian Roso in the Para badminton competition.

Israel Hilario

Israel is a great Peruvian Para cyclist, whose goal was always to keep going and break down barriers. It is an example of life. After losing his leg in a motorcycle accident, he decided to continue pursuing his goals.

Hilario claimed the Para cycling world title and was crowned as the best cyclist at the World Cup, both events organized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the highest cycling organization in the world.

His last competition was at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, where he carried the Peruvian flag. In this event, he placed sixth.

Pilar Jáuregui

For Pilar, there were never any limits. She tried out different sports such as volleyball, surfing, basketball, tennis and badminton until she was 14 when she was affected by an illness.

Since that moment, everything changed for the better because badminton allowed her to bring out her ability and passion for sports.

She was recognized as the best Para athlete of 2018 by the the Americas Paralympic Committee and won three gold medals at the Pan Am Para-Badminton Championships 2018 in singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

They are worthy ambassadors, with great social and human sensitivity, recognized for their great achievements, who seek to live in a society based on the values of sport and respect.

They will stay true to the Peruvian flag in the different competitions in which they participate at Peruvian and international levels. They will always be an example of effort and dedication for new athletes.

It is worth mentioning that a total of 1890 Para athletes from 33 countries will be in Lima until Sunday, September 1, competing in 17 sports and 18 disciplines at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games. This event also provides a direct ticket for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

At the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, Pilar Jáuregui made her debut with an important 2-0 victory over American Amy Burnett (21-4, 21-0). This is her first Group A match in the WH2 category (wheelchair).

He looked up to the sky, he hugged his team when he was announced the winner of the time trial competition for Para cycling road. Israel Hilario, proud Lima 2019 ambassador won the tough competition for cyclists from all over the continent. It was a great mark.

Israel competed against world and Olympic champions such as Joseph Berenyi from the USA or Diego Dueñas, Alejandro Perea and Edwin Matiz (with less severe physical impairments) from Colombia. The athlete from Huanuco had a strategy for the 31.2 kms in the circuit at the Costa Verde San Miguel. Lauro Moro form Brazil (silver) Dueñas from Colombia (bronze) completed the podium.

“I am happy for representing my country in such an interesting and challenging competition. I understand it is a bit complicated to compete against cyclists from other classes but it is a good training for Tokyo 2020. This shows everything is possible and that we can compete against great athletes from the Americas” mentioned Israel when finishing the competition.

Hilario felt happy about the public that attended the competition. “It is amazing to see how we are growing. Our society has started to understand that Para athletes can also be winners and that sports can build a better future”, he said.   

Athletes from the football 5-a-side team said goodbye to the Parapan American Games with the support of Peruvian fans, who are called the “the best fanbase in the world” for good reason, because they never stopped rooting for the national team in every match in spite of some bad scores.

Yesterday, Peru lost 5-1 to Brazil, current world champion and Paralympic champion, and the team said goodbye to the competition. However, they received and standing ovation after the match for all their dedication and effort in the Parapan American Games.

While they were all together singing our second anthem “Contigo Perú” at Villa María del Triunfo, the athletes said goodbye and showed their gratitude for all the support they received during competition days. Likewise, after the match, many fans wanted to take selfies with the athletes.

The Peruvian fans pointed out that, despite losing some matches, they have gained a lot of experience and that will be useful in upcoming competitions. “Now, Peruvians know more about this sport and will always support us,” said a Peruvian Para athlete.

Today at 14:30 Mexico and Colombia will compete for the bronze medal and at 17:30 Brazil and Argentina will fight for the gold.

We should remember football 5-a-side is a discipline adapted for people with visual impairment and it uses a ball that makes noise. Each team consists of four people with low visual acuity and/or who do not perceive light, plus a goalkeeper without a visual impairment.

In the four days that Dunia Felices competed in the Parapan American Games, she managed to gather so many people in the Aquatic Center that she was moved to tears. In the audience was the president of COPAL, Carlos Neuhaus, who gave the Lima 2019 ambassador a hug once the event had ended.

Neuhaus witnessed Dunia’s dedication during the years she spent preparing for the Games. So, he went down to the competitors’ area to praise her effort, unaware that an amusing incident was going to take place.

“Just as I was going back to the competitors’ area, I ran into Carlos Neuhaus and, while he was praising me, a Colombian swimmer came up to us and congratulated me. I didn’t understand anything because I thought I’d finished fourth. That’s when Carlos hugged me and said he brought me luck,” stated Felices.

Regarding her performance this evening, she said: “I knew that in the 50 m butterfly I could win something, despite feeling more comfortable in long distance events. What does move me is the unconditional support of the audience. Despite everything, they came these four days. This medal is for you too,” she said.

Dunia confessed she evolved in some respects: “I improved my race finish. I even pushed harder in the last 25 meters, despite taking a while to hit the water; but I still have many years to correct that. This is my second year competing and I know you don’t become an athlete overnight. That’s why experiencing something like Lima 2019 is so important,” she added.

After the Parapan American Games, the Para swimmer will compete at the World Championships in London. She will participate in four events, but she will focus mainly on 50 m butterfly, as well as 200 and 100 m freestyle. “I will focus on these three styles to reach the qualification times for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games,” she concluded.

CHEER HER ON FROM THE STANDS

Tomorrow is Dunia’s last day of competitions. You can buy tickets starting at PEN 10. There will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment.

You can purchase tickets at the ticket booths in VIDENA and at the 11 authorized points of sale located around the city

You can also purchase them online at lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will find the detailed competition calendar. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue.

Only two days away from the end of the Americas’ top Para sports competition, the Peruvian Para badminton team will fight for a place in the final and on the podium. Outstanding Para athletes Pilar Jáuregui and Pedro Pablo de Vinatea will be Peru’s representatives. 

The Lima 2019 Ambassadors, who delivered comprehensive defeats to their USA and Brazil counterparts in singles, will face off the experienced Cuban team featuring Maydelin Soriano and Rolando Bello. The match will take place at VIDENA Sports Center 3 at 9:00. The competition day will also feature Canada, Chile, Guatemala, among other teams. If they win their respective matches, they will advance to the semifinals, to be played in the afternoon. After going through this stage, they will compete for the gold on Saturday, August 31. 

Meanwhile, the Peruvian Para cycling road team—featuring world’s Top Ten Israel Hilario—will be put to the test in the exciting races to be held at Costa Verde San Miguel, starting at 9:00. 

In addition, Peruvian Para athlete Carlos Raymundo Cano will attempt to win in front of the home crowd in a fascinating boccia competition against Argentinian Mauricio Ibarbure, to take place at Villa El Salvador Sports Center at 10::00. The Chile, Mexico, Canada, Ecuador, Brazil and Colombia teams will also compete in this session, starting at 9:00.  

The wheelchair basketball semifinals will feature Canada, Colombia, Argentina and the USA in thrilling games taking place at VIDENA Sports Center 1, starting at 10:30.  

With regard to Para swimming, tough competitions for the gold medal will take place at VIDENA Aquatic Center, starting at 9:00. They include 50m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 200m medley, 100m breaststroke, 100m butterfly, among others.  

PARA TAEKWONDO COMPETITIONS BEGIN 

The Para taekwondo competitions are scheduled to start at 9:00. It is worth noting that the Para athletes qualified for the second session finals, starting at 15:00, will compete for the gold, silver and bronze medals in the K44 -49 kg, K44 -61 kg, K44 -58 kg and other categories. This competition will also feature Peruvian representative Angélica Espinoza. 

Meanwhile, the final events for wheelchair tennis will take place at Lawn Tennis Club, starting at 11:00. These will decide the winners of the men’s and women’s quad singles and doubles events.  

As for Para powerlifting, the gold medal winners will be defined in the 59 kg, 61 kg, -73 kg, -65 kg and -72 kg events at the VIDENA Sports Center 1. The events will feature the Americas’ best Para powerlifters, who will seek to go down in Para sports history.  

The Miguel Grau Coliseum in Callao will house the women’s goalball semifinals, starting at 15:00. Last but not least, the gripping football 5-a-side final will take place at Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center, starting at 14:30. 

On more than one occasion, he threw himself to the ground so as not to drop the shuttlecock. He won the match and passed through the mixed zone, serious and almost without smiling.

“I know it could’ve gone better,” Jesús Salvá told us, who in his debut beat Argentinian Ángel Ielpo 2 to 1 in a close match, in VIDENA’s Sports Center 3.

“At last year’s South American Championship we played three sets. Luckily, I beat him again, but we still have to work to reach our goal of winning the gold,” added Salvá.

Salvá, considered amongst South America’s top three in the S6 category (short stature), debuted at Lima 2019 with this victory. The Peruvian fans never stopped cheering him on from the stands, because of his effort and character. They applauded him at the end of the match. “It’s part of my character; it’s part of the game too, because you have to do everything you can to save the shuttlecock and score the point. The cheers really helped me and it’s good that people are coming out to support the Para athletes,” he highlighted.

Jesús will play his second match this Friday against Brazilian Para athlete Tavares, with his mind set on making it to the next stage. “Right now, I have to focus on Lima. Then it will be time to focus on Tokyo and on adding points to qualify,” he concluded.

Peruvians in Action this Friday

The Para badminton competition will begin at 09:00. Jenny Ventocilla will face Canada’s Olivia Meier, while Pilar Jáuregui will seek a place in the semifinal in her match against Cuba’s Maydelin Soriano.

In men’s doubles, Fajardo and Miranda will compete against Brazil’s Cano and Soares. Pedro Pablo de Vinatea will face Cuba’s Rolando Bello, while Alberto Cadenillas will compete against Brazil’s Cavalli. Finally, in mixed doubles, Cueto and Ventocilla will face off against Canadians Lapointe and Meier.

Starting at 15:00, the men’s, women’s and mixed semifinals will be contested. The competitions will come to an end on Sunday, September 1. If you would like to enjoy more competitions and cheer on the Para athletes, you can purchase your tickets on the official website (www.lima2019.pe) and at authorized points of sale.

The Aquatic Center exploded with the applause of fans as they energetically cheered for Dunia Felices. The Para swimmer gathered over two thousand spectators once again and, this time, they witnessed her first medal at the Parapan American Games in the 50 meter butterfly final, class S5 (physical impairment). This event is not her specialty but she gave it her all.

Although the Peruvian finished fourth, she benefited from the disqualification of Mexican Patricia Valle, who had arrived third at the finish line. However, the judges concluded she had committed a technical irregularity, which favored Dunia who finished with a time of 1:02:23 in her third consecutive final at Lima 2019.

Felices stood on the podium alongside Brazilians Joana Silva (gold) and Esthefany de Oliveira (silver). She will be back in action tomorrow starting at 09:15, in the event which she considers to be her best: 200 meter freestyle. She has great expectations for this competition and the Peruvian public will definitely be by her side.

CHEER HER ON FROM THE STANDS

You can buy tickets to Dunia’s last competition starting at PEN 10. There will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment. You can buy tickets in the ticket booths at VIDENA and the 11 authorized points of sale located around the city.

You can also purchase them online at lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will find the detailed competition calendar. In the case of e-tickets, printing will no longer be necessary since customers can show their e-ticket from their mobile phones at the entrance of the sports venue.