He was present right from the start of the competition, rooting for Pedro Pablo de Vinatea that was playing for the gold. The President of the Republic of Peru, Martín Vizcarra, attended the Para badminton final of the men’s SL3 category. 

The Head of State watched the exciting match next to Carlos Neuhaus, president of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, and Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee.

The Sports Center 3 was completely packed with fans, including members of Peru’s official fanbase, “La blanquirroja”, who gave a Peruvian flag to the President before the match. 

After Peru claimed the gold, the whole sports center erupted in cheers, while the spectators gave a thunderous round of applause to the Para athlete.  

Moreover, Vizcarra had the honor of handing over the gold medal to Pedro Pablo de Vinatea, a moment filled with emotions that made the VIDENA vibrate with excitement. 

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons said Lima has positioned itself as the epicenter of the world’s Paralympic Movement, thus leaving an invaluable legacy for Peru and the world community.

“There is a before and after the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games,” stated in a press conference, accompanied by the COPAL President Carlos Neuhaus, and the President of the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC) Julio César Ávila.

“Lima 2019 has transformed sports into a social transformation tool. I have no doubt that when I come back to this beautiful country, I will find a more inclusive society with equal opportunities for people with an impairment,” Parsons said and highlighted that a very high bar is set for Chile 2023.

Additionally, the IPC President praised a shift in awareness in the society regarding impairment, which created an inclusive atmosphere, where Para athletes have greater options for development and are considered role models that will inspire bravery and hope to future generations. Lima 2019 honored by the Americas Paralympic Committee. 

“In Peru, the future of Paralympic sports is already guaranteed. The sports centers have permanent accessibility conditions for Para athletes. Also, the population now recognizes them as heroes who teach that everything is possible with effort and dedication,” he remarked.   

The Americas Paralympic Committee (APC) President Julio César Ávila thanked the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee President Carlos Neuhaus for holding the most spectacular Para sports event in the continent with a countless number of world records.  

“These have been the biggest Games I’ve ever attended. Important records have been broken, such as ticket sales. However, the most significant thing is the impact on the society of Lima that has now a different attitude towards impairment, considering it as a continuous source of inspiration,” the APC President affirmed. 

In that sense, Lima 2019 marks a milestone in the history of the world’s Paralympic Movement, fostering the Paralympic values in Peru and around the globe, thus laying the foundations to develop a more inclusive and egalitarian community in the Americas, where the slogan Let’s all play! has been immortalized.

Carlos Neuhaus, the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee (COPAL) president, said that all the organization is very satisfied by the great results that the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games will leave.

During a press conference, he said that one of the big legacies of this event is that it contributed to the unity among the participating athletes of numerous countries and different sports disciplines.

He ensured that the Lima 2019 will be the most remembered Games by athletes and Peruvians because they are leaving an important mark for Peru and all the Americas.

Neuhaus was so satisfied by the answer of the Peruvian public that attended the sports venues to support our athletes. It resulted in the sale of more than 130,000 tickets. In addition, he ensured that the Lima 2019 Pan American Games leave a positive balance. 

The COPAL President also highlighted that hundreds of students have witnessed this historic edition of the Games in Lima thanks to the free tickets that allow the public school students to attend the different competitions.

Also, he reaffirmed the very special gratitude to the thousands of volunteers of all ages and nationalities who always spent their time smiling and being kind to help the athletes and the general public.

This way, the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games end with a positive balance because they joined all cultures from the Americas, through the sport, putting the world’s spotlight on Peru with the phrase that will remain in our minds: “Let’s all play”.

Julio César Ávila, President of the Americas Paralympic Committee, and Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, were also present at the press conference. Furthermore, the Parapan American medalists Verónica Hipólito from Brazil (Para athletics), María Angélica Bernal (wheelchair tennis), Israel Hilario (Para-cycling) and Angélica Espinoza (Para taekwondo) also attended this conference.

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