Muchos momentos quedarán en nuestros recuerdos, comenzando el 22 de agosto, cuando comenzaron las competiciones de los Juegos Parapanamericanos Lima 2019 . Un total de 1890 atletas para para de 30 países que nos visitaron en Lima 2019 nos dieron hermosos momentos de victoria y pérdida; Permanecerán para siempre en los recuerdos de todos.

1. La chilena Tamara Leonelli ganó la primera medalla de oro en Lima 2019 en el segundo día de competencia y se convirtió en la primera en clasificarse para los Juegos Paralímpicos de Tokio 2020.
2. El Estadio Nacional estuvo abarrotado durante la Ceremonia de Apertura de los Juegos Parapanamericanos de Lima 2019, que impresionó a todos con la inclusión emocional de las personas con discapacidad en el espectáculo. El campeón paralímpico peruano Jimmy Eulert fue elegido para encender el caldero.
3. La para atleta Rosbil Guillén ganó la primera medalla de oro para Perú en la clase T11 de 1500 metros. Con esta victoria, el atleta Para de Huancayo se vengó, ya que días antes había perdido la medalla de oro en los 5000 metros después de ser descalificado por separarse de su guía en la línea de meta.
4. Perú alcanzó un número histórico de medallas de oro en los Juegos Parapanamericanos con las victorias de Pedro Pablo de Vinatea y Pilar Jáuregui en el bádminton Para. Para ciclista Israel Hilario y la atleta de Para taekwondo Angélica Espinoza también encabezaron el podio para un total de cinco medallas de oro. Además, Perú reclamó tres medallas de plata y siete de bronce, lo que representa un total de 15 medallas.
5. Brasil encabezó la mesa final de medallas por cuarta vez consecutiva en los Juegos Parapanamericanos. Con la mayor delegación en su historia, Brasil también superó el mayor número de medallas en un solo evento continental: 124 de oro y 308 en total. Un récord impresionante.
6. México, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador y Colombia también superaron sus mejores actuaciones en la historia de los Juegos Parapanamericanos.
7. El judoca mexicano Eduardo Ávila entró en la historia del deporte en su país después de ganar su cuarto título parapanamericano consecutivo. Con sus dos medallas de oro en los Juegos Paralímpicos de Beijing 2008 y Río 2016, y otros dos títulos mundiales, es considerado como uno de los judokas más exitosos de América.
8. La para atleta brasileña Verónica Hipólito es el mejor ejemplo de que todo es posible en la vida. Después de superar dos cirugías en la cabeza que la dejaron en cama durante dos años, llegó al último lugar de la cuota unos días antes del inicio de Lima 2019. Los médicos le dieron pocas oportunidades de competir nuevamente y ganar medallas, ya que asumieron que esto era poco probable . Sin embargo, ganó tres medallas de plata y todo el continente estaba encantado con su historia de superación personal.
9. Después de ganar el evento de estilo libre de 50 metros, la nadadora de Para, Joana Silva, rompió a llorar en el podio. Meses antes, había perdido a su padre y estaba a punto de abandonar esta disciplina. Sin embargo, ella se recuperó, prometiéndole a su difunto padre que haría lo mejor que pudiera, y así sucedió: ganó seis medallas en Lima 2019, un total de 15 desde su debut en los Juegos Parapanamericanos de Guadalajara 2011.
10. Las gemelas brasileñas Debora y Beatriz Carneiro fueron una curiosidad en los Juegos. Han estado entrenando juntos desde que eran niños y, cuando compiten entre ellos, siempre comparten los títulos. En Lima 2019, obtuvieron el primer y segundo lugar en los eventos de braza de 100m y de popurrí individual de 200m. Por supuesto, Debora ganó el primer evento y Beatriz el segundo, para mantener la tradición.
11. Brasil ganó en el fútbol 5, un deporte para personas con discapacidad visual, alcanzando la gloria de los Juegos Parapanamericanos por cuarta vez en el Centro Deportivo Villa María del Triunfo. Los cinco veces campeones mundiales derrotaron a Argentina por 2-0 en la final, con las estrellas Jefinho y Cassio anotando los goles ganadores.
12. El equipo brasileño de fútbol 7, compuesto por personas con parálisis cerebral, también se llevó la medalla de oro después de derrotar a Argentina. Con esta victoria, los "canarinhos" aseguraron su tercer título en la competencia, después de ganar en Río 2007 y Toronto 2015.
13. En el juego más emotivo de Lima 2019, Canadá venció a Estados Unidos en la final de baloncesto femenino en silla de ruedas. El equipo femenino canadiense ganó el partido por una diferencia de tres puntos, pero este juego apretado se fue al grano, ya que los estadounidenses estaban en posesión de la pelota en la última jugada. Tenían ocho segundos para jugar, pero perdieron su última oportunidad de igualar y forzar un período de tiempo extra. Así es el deporte: no hay ganadores hasta que termine la competencia.
14. Con más de 170,000 espectadores, Lima 2019 batió un récord de asistencia a los Juegos Parapanamericanos. Además de este hito, Lima 2019 fue considerada la competencia multideportiva mejor organizada en la historia parapanamericana, así como el evento con el sistema de transporte más accesible en todas las ediciones de los Juegos.
15. El penúltimo día de la competencia Para Badminton se jugó en un ambiente deportivo emocional, lleno de fanáticos peruanos en el Centro Deportivo 2 de VIDENA, incluida la base oficial de fanáticos de Perú, "La Blanquirroja". El mismo día en que Pedro Pablo de Vinatea reclamó oro para Perú, el guatemalteco Raúl Anguiano hizo historia para su país después de ganar su primera y única medalla de oro en seis ediciones de los Juegos Parapanamericanos.

Lima 2019 awarded over 1500 medalists throughout the 11 days of the largest multi-sports event in the continent. We still get a feeling of nostalgia when we remember the best Parapan American Games in history, in which spectators witnessed the high competition level of the great stars and new talents in the Americas. 

Check the best photos of these figures here

The best Para athletes are listed below:

1.    Omara Durand (Cuba) Para athletics T12

The fastest woman of the Paralympic movement made history at Lima 2019 after winning three gold medals at the Parapan American Games for the third time in a row. The Cuban athlete earned the victory in 100, 200 and 400 m. Besides, she broke the Parapan American record in 400 and 200 m events (she even did it twice in the latter).

2.    Petrúcio Ferreira (Brazil) Para athletics T47

The Brazilian Para athlete arrived at Lima with two world records in 100 and 200 m, and he did not disappoint at all. He claimed the gold in 100 and 400 m and a silver in mixed relay, repeating his success of Toronto 2015. In the 100 m, he even surprised us all by setting two new records on the same day.

3.    Daniel Dias (Brazil) Para swimming S5

The best Para swimmer of all times took home six gold medals at Lima 2019. These new victories added up to the total of 33 golds he has obtained along his four Parapan American Games finals. So far, Dias has won 77 gold medals in his career, including 14 Paralympic medals and 30 world titles. He is, for sure, a true sport legend.

4.    Gustavo Fernández (Argentina) wheelchair tennis

The best wheelchair tennis player of the world circuit obtained his third consecutive gold medal in the Games and his second gold in doubles. This way, “Gusti” finished the year on a high note, as he arrived in Lima as the champion of three Grand Slam tournaments: the 2019 Australian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. What a legend!

5.    José de Jesús Castillo (Mexico) Para powerlifting

The best Para powerlifter of the Americas rose to the top at Lima 2019 after winning the gold in the -107 kg weight class, his fourth consecutive title in the Games. “Chuy” has now a secure a spot among the top Para powerlifters in this discipline.

6.    Amalia Pérez (Mexico) Para powerlifting

She snatched her fourth gold medal at the Parapan American Games in the -55 kg weight class, breaking the Parapan American record. The Mexican is also a five-time Paralympic medalist.

7.    Yanina Martínez (Argentina) Para athletics T36

She repeated her success of Toronto 2015, by winning the gold in both 100 and 200 m in Lima. Her next challenge is to defend the 100 m title she claimed at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

8.    Sara Vargas (Colombia) Para swimming S6

The new Para swimming talent of our continent earned four golds and one silver at just 12 years old in her first major event ever. Also, she broke five Parapan American records, becoming one of the best Para athletes in the Americas.

9.    Phelipe Melo (Brazil) Para swimming S10

He crowned himself as the Para athlete with the most medals at Lima 2019, with seven golds and one bronze.
 So far, he has collected 22 medals in three Parapan American Games.

10.  Nelson Crispín (Colombia) Para swimming S6

He broke his own record by taking home five golds, one silver and one bronze, surpassing the number of medals achieved in Toronto (three golds, two silvers and one bronze medal). What is more, he broke the 100 m breaststroke world record.

11.  Carlos Serrano (Colombia) Para swimming S7

At Lima 2019, he surpassed his Toronto 2015 achievements with seven medals (five golds, one silver and one bronze), thus breaking five Parapan American records.
 His next challenge is to go beyond the three Paralympic medals he obtained at Río 2016 (one, gold, one silver and one bronze).

12.  Naomí Somellera (Mexico) Para swimming S7

At age 20, she showed us all she is at the top of her game, by collecting six gold medals at Lima 2019.
 This way, she surpassed her Toronto 2015 performance, where she picked up two medals.

13.  Alberto Abarza (Chile) Para swimming S2

The Chilean flag-bearer claimed three golds and two silvers, setting the Parapan American record in four events.

14.  Wimana Stewart (Trinidad and Tobago) Para athletics F43

She snatched two gold medals, breaking the Parapan American and world record in discus throw, as well as the Parapan American record in javelin throw twice.

15.  Matías Pino (Chile) Wheelchair tennis TT6

He claimed two Parapan American titles and helped his country achieve its best performance in the Games.

16.  Clara Brown (United States) Para cycling C1-C3

She won three golds (one on track and two on road) and one bronze in track cycling, thus breaking three Parapan American records.

17.  Fabricio Barros (Brazil) Para athletics T12

To everyone’s surprise, he earned the victory in the 100 m event, defeating favorites such as Noah Malone from the USA and Leinier Savón from Cuba. Besides, he broke the 100 m Parapan American record in his category with a time of 10.97.

18.  Nicholas Bennett (Canada) Para swimming S14

At age 15, he is the new Canadian Paralympic star, and he made it clear to everyone by taking three gold medals and one silver in Lima 2019. He is one of the most well-rounded Para swimmers in the continent, as he has won medals in all four styles.

19.  Thiago Paulino (Brazil) Para athletics F57

He broke the world and Parapan American shot put record all in one day, collecting an epic gold medal for his country.

Lima 2019 will remain in the memory of millions of spectators who enjoyed this continental event, the best Parapan American Games ever held.

The president of the Americas Paralympic Committee, Julio César Ávila Sarria said in his closing speech that the Peruvian capital was the stage of the “best Parapan American Games in history.”

“Thank you, Lima. Thank you, Peru. It was a pleasure to witness how the whole city embraced these competitions and showed up in droves at each of the sports venues to cheer on the best Para athletes of the Americas,” he said with emotion.

He also highlighted that close to 200,000 spectators attended the Lima 2019 venues, “an absolute record for a Parapan American Games.” “We were able to enjoy a warm and festive atmosphere, another example of why Peruvian fans were chosen as the best in the world,” he said.

TURNING POINT

Ávila Sarria said that the Parapan American Games represented a turning point for Para sports in the Americas.  “Lima 2019 will mark a before and after in the history of the Paralympic movement in the continent,” he pointed out.

He also referred to the legacy of the Parapan American Games sports infrastructure, which he described as magnificent and accessible sports facilities. He added that Para athletes should make the most of the facilities to train for the next Parapan American Games.

“No event has done so much to truly include people with an impairment in Peruvian society.  Thank you to the Government and the president of the Organizing Committee, Carlos Neuhaus. Thank you to the volunteers for their smiles and generosity. I hope you will remember these Games forever,” he said.

After inviting the Para athletes to train hard to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, he said: “when a Para athlete from the Americas plays, ‘We All Play.’”

The most transcendental Para event of the continent closed one of its most emblematic competitions: Para swimming. A set of intense finals were contested in this event, which amazed the public with the swimming skills of the best Para swimmers in the Americas.

The finals of this event had the participation of the delegations from Brazil and Colombia. The Brazilian players snatched eight gold medals. The performance of Gabriel dos Santos was outstanding. He claimed the gold in men’s 100 m freestyle S2 with a record of 2:04.60, surpassing the Chilean Alberto Abarza by four seconds.

His compatriot, Edenia Nogueira, set a Parapan American record of 57:02, winning the gold medal in women’s 50 m backstroke in the S3 category. Likewise, Esthefany de Oliveira set another record of 3:54.66, taking home the gold in 200 m individual medley in the S5 category.

Meanwhile, the Colombians picked up seven gold medals. The participation of Sara Vargas also stood out as she set a Parapan American record of 1:17.00, crowning herself the winner of the women’s 100 m freestyle in the S6 category.

Another exceptional performance was that of Nelson Crispin, who gave his country the gold medal in 100 m freestyle, 200 m individual medley in the SM6 category, 50 m freestyle in the S6 category, 100 m breaststroke in the SB6 category, and 50 m butterfly in the S6 category.

Moreover, the Mexican delegation collected four gold medals. One of the representatives who left his mark in the water was Diego López, who set the record of 45.06 in the 50 m backstroke final in the S3 category.

This way, one of the Paralympic sports that garnered the greatest expectation of the Peruvians at the National Sports Village ended on a high note, demonstrating that there is no impairment that between you and your goals because everything is possible with courage and determination.

A few years ago, Sara Vargas’ life completely changed when she met her current coach, Stevens Ruíz, while competing in short stature tournaments in Bogotá. Since then, the Para swimmer followed a process that led her to qualify for the Lima 2019 Games and become the youngest Para athlete in the history of the Parapan American Games with achievements that astonish everyone. 

Even though her growth problem prevented her from gaining stature, her ambition always remained intact. This is her first major international event and she has already collected two medals and set Parapan American records.  Yesterday she surprised the spectators by winning the silver medal in the 400 m freestyle event and tonight she amazed her fans after winning the gold medal in the 50 m butterfly event in class S6.  

“I can’t explain how I feel. I still can’t believe it. I am thrilled with my first gold. Even though it was not my best time, I set a Parapan American record. I’m determined to improve because my biggest goal is to succeed at the Paralympic Games," said the new Para swimming star, who achieved better records in international events this year. 

Sara will compete in the 100 m backstroke and freestyle events, as well as in the 50 m freestyle competition and she is focused on reaching the podium again. Her coach says that we will see more of this Colombian Para athlete who impresses sports lovers. 

“Colombia has a swimmer for at least two more Olympic cycles at the highest level. She has an exceptional talent because she is also demanding and disciplined. We are preparing her integrally so that the pressure does not overcome her. There are not many Paralympic competitions in the world, so she even competes against swimmers who don’t have an impairment to perfect her skills,” said Stevens Ruíz.  

Sara Vargas will compete again on Thursday 29 at 17:18. To see her compete, you can buy your tickets starting at PEN 10. There will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices in VIDENA and in the eleven authorized points of sale throughout the city. 

Tickets can also be purchased online at lima2019.pe/tickets, where you will also find the detailed competition schedule. 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. 

Like during the first match that took place in the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center, the fans were the life of the party as they cheered from the stands with each of Brayan Bartolo’s feints and when Rony Estrada daringly faced the Argentinian forwards, however, they were unable to secure the match and lost 3 to 0. 

The Argentinian team showed better control when handling the ball and quickly took the lead in the scoreboard; five minutes into the match, defender Maximiliano Espinillo scored the first goal with a powerful cross shot. 

Despite this goal, the Peruvian team fought for every ball on midfield and used everything at their disposal to search for a tie, but the good defensive position of the Argentinian team made each attack futile.  

After a recovery by the defense and a quick transition to an attack, Espinillo scored the second goal for Argentina. Halftime started with the score 2-0 and the spectators cheered on the Peruvian team to the beat of “Cariñito” while they recovered for the second half. 

As soon as the second half started, the Peruvian team tried to score a goal, nevertheless, striker Nicolás Vélez scored the third goal for Argentina seven minutes into the second half, deciding the match. 

Despite this, the audience never stopped cheering and, after the match, they gave the Peruvian team a standing ovation for their effort and the grit they put into each play. 

Brazil undefeated in football 5-a-side 

In the first match of this competition day, the Brazilian team beat the Mexican team 3 to 0, with three goals from striker Ricardo Steinmtez. With this result, Brazil’s team remains undefeated in this sport. 

The next match will be on Wednesday, August 28, when Peru plays Colombia at 20:00. Earlier that day, Argentina will play Costa Rica and the Brazil versus Costa Rica match will follow.

We had a day full of speed, suspense, but above all self-improvement. This was the first day of competition at the VIDENA velodrome.

During one of the hardest competitions, the men’s 1 km time trial C1-5, the Parapan American record was broken three times.

“I’m very excited. I gave my best to win and I’m very glad I was able to share the podium with my team,” said Joseph Berenyi from the USA, who took the gold medal and clocked a time of 1:05:945, a new Parapan American record in C3 category (athletes that may have a lower and/or upper limb amputation).

Berenyi shared the podium with his compatriot Christopher Murphy, who claimed the silver medal and set a new Parapan American record in C5 category.

Colombian Edwin Matiz, got the bronze in C5 category. He claimed the silver medal at Toronto 2015 and has not competed since Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

“This was a very special competition, as I had just recovered from two injuries. A month ago, I wasn’t sure whether I would compete at the Parapan American Games. It’s very special for me to be here. I felt a little nervous and anxious because my last competition was three years ago, but I always find motivation to improve myself,” said Matiz.

“The Games send a great and inspiring message, as it shows the athletes’ courage and determination, so I’d like to say Let’s All Play,” said the Parapan American medalist, who revealed that he did not expect to break a record, he just wanted to win.

“Respect is one of our main values as athletes, because we all come with the same objective and the same dream,” declared Matiz.

Para cycling events will be held until Tuesday, August 27. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy competitions and cheer on the athletes. Buy your tickets at www.lima2019.pe and in the authorized points of sale.

After having been defeated in the first event by Brazil, the Peruvian football 7-a-side team will look for revenge against Colombia this Sunday 25 from 09:30 at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center. 

It should be noted that Peru endured Brazil’s attacks, which defeated them 10-0. Peru and Costa Rica will also compete in football 5-a-side at 20:00 at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center. 

FINALS 

As part of the fourth day of competition of the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, there will be another Para athletics session to compete for the gold in various disciplines. 

The discus throw (men and women), long jump (women), shot put (men and women), 400-meter (men), 200-meter and 1500-meter (women) finals, among others, will also be held at the National Sports Village - VIDENA in San Luis. 

There will also be another day of Para swimming events at the VIDENA Aquatic Center. From 09:56, athletes will compete for the gold in 100 m backstroke (men and women), 100 m and 400 m freestyle (men and women), 100 m breaststroke (men and women) and 100 m butterfly (men) events.  

MORE PERUVIANS COMPETING 

The Peruvian judoka Antero Villalobos will face off Eduardo Ávila (Mexico), Gerardo Rodríguez (Cuba), Harlley Pereyra (Brazil) and Nathan Ostergaard (US) from 09:00 at the Sports Center 2 in VIDENA. 

Meanwhile, Steve Medina, Jorge Arcela and Milagros Palomino from Peru will seek to qualify for the finals in shooting Para sport, in the 10 m air rifle prone event, from 10:00 at Las Palmas Air Base Shooting Range in Santiago de Surco. 

Peru will also participate in Para table tennis. Peruvian and Chilean men’s teams (class 3-5) will face off from 10:00 at the Sports Center 3 in VIDENA. Peruvian representatives will also compete against Guatemala and the US. 

Goalball events will be held at the Miguel Grau Coliseum in Callao from 12:30, where Peru will face off the US and Venezuela. Peru and Canada will also compete at the Callao Sports Center from 17:00 in sitting volleyball. In the same way, Peru and the US will compete in wheelchair basketball from 18:30.