The last day of the Parapan American Games gave us one of the most vibrant Para badminton S6 finals between the Brazilian Tavares and the American Krajweski.

The gold went to Vitor Tavares, who had recently claimed three bronze medals at the Para-Badminton World Championships. Before moving to the final and claiming the gold, Tavares had defeated 2-0 the Peruvian Jesús Salvá, who ended up collecting the bronze.

“It was a very important competition for me because I wanted to obtain the gold medal,” he said.

Miles Krajewski from the USA also received a round of applause from the spectators on the stands, including the President of Peru, Martín Vizcarra, who was accompanied by Carlos Neuhaus, president of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee.

“I liked this competition. Vitor is a great player and won the game fairly,” said the American.

At age 14, Miles Krajewski became one of the youngest Para athletes in the Games and proved he is a promising talent in this category. Krajewski came to Lima 2019 with the mission of winning the gold medal and obtain a ticket for Tokyo 2020.  

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.