Liduvina and Nicolas are just two examples of the great social legacy that the Lima 2019 Volunteer Program will leave for Peru thanks to the commitment and the time all volunteers dedicated, so that the Pan American and Parapan American Games are a success in our country and obtain recognition from all countries.

Liduvina Sanchez is 62 years old and decided to devote her life to Para swimming when she was 58. Despite of the short training time, she has obtained several achievements. This year she traveled to Brazil to participate in the International Lottery Open Caixa 2019 and brought three bronze medals home.

Her life changed almost completely. She used to work at the Supreme Council of Military Justice, but after being ceased in her job due to its permanent impairment, she transformed Para swimming into her passion, and now she dedicates her time to train every day since she is part of the National Paralympic Association.

There is nothing impossible for Liduvina. When she was one year old, she was infected with polio, but she has always tried to live a normal life thanks to the support of her parents.

When she heard about the Lima 2019 Volunteer Program, she did not hesitate for one minute to participate and split her time between swimming practices and volunteering. “So far, this has been a beautiful experience. I’ve worked in different areas, with an excellent group of partners, and I’ve also interacted with all medalists. That’s something I never thought that would happen,” said Liduvina very excited.

She is happy to have been part of the Lima 2019 group of volunteers and for the gestures of gratitude of all athletes, who will return to their countries with the best impression of Peru thanks to the volunteers.

NICOLAS MEZA ON THE ROAD TO BECOME A PARA ATHLETE

Nicolas Meza is 31 years old and, for him, to use crutches is not a problem when performing several activities since he helps his father in a family business. He also speaks multiple languages and he likes giving classes.

Nevertheless, while being part of the Lima 2019 Volunteer Program, he found out that he wants to become a Para athlete, so once the Parapan American Games finish, he will dedicate his time to practice Para badminton and Para swimming. For sure, we are anticipating hearing his name on the news and his achievements for our country.

Being a volunteer made him proud since he learned a lot and performed different duties on the court, stands, athlete areas, press zone, etc.

“I’m proud of assisting these Games and that Peru hosted such a large sporting that promotes sport values in our society. It has been an honor. I’m very thankful for this opportunity” mentioned the young volunteer.

He also recommended all people with an impairment to move forward because there is nothing they cannot do. Everything is up to us and to our faith in God and our families.

The Lima 2019 volunteers are people from Peru and abroad. They represent the social legacy that the Pan American and Parapan American Games leave for Peru and allow people to be prepared for both national and international future events.

SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF THE VOLUNTEERS

The contribution of the volunteers was essential for the Lima 2019 Pan American Games success and was widely recognized by Panam Sports (Pan American Sport Organization).

Angela Morales, head of the Lima 2019 Volunteer Program, revealed that 5000 volunteers participated in the Parapan American Games in different sport venues and operative roles.

It should be noted that a total of 104 people with an impairment were part of the Lima 2019 Volunteer Program during the Pan American Games (50 women and 54 men), while 79 people with some sort of impairment participated in the Parapan American Games (45 women and 34 men), making a total of 183.

She specified that a total of 11,900 volunteers took part in the Pan American Games. Around 85% of them were young people between 18 and 25 years old, and 60% were women. This numbers also show the contribution that the Lima 2019 Volunteer Program has left to our country.

Morales said 630 volunteers between 16 and 17 years old were part of the program and fulfilled their roles successfully. Meanwhile, about 480 volunteers came from different parts of the world such as Germany, United States, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, etc.

It is also worth mentioning that approximately 600 participants were senior citizen, who gave all their time and humble disposition to assist these Games.

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).