The Peruvian flagbearer and Lima 2019 Parapan American Games gold medal winner, Angélica Espinoza, is listed among the candidates for best Para athlete of the American continent of August.

According to the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC), the Peruvian athlete is listed among the nominees revealed for the Best Female Athlete of August, based on their performances at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games. The public can vote for the Peruvian Para athlete until next Thursday, October 3, on the APC official website (https://www.paralympic.org/es/americas-paralympic-committee).

In lieu of the Americas Athlete of the Month award, the APC decided to separate it into three different categories: Best Female Athlete, Best Male Athlete and Best Team, based on results obtained at Lima 2019.

THE CANDIDATES FOR BEST FEMALE ATHLETE ARE:

Angélica Espinoza, Peru, Para taekwondo

Peru’s flagbearer and taekwondo fighter took the title in the women’s -49kg with a packed stand that did not stop cheering her on.

Amalia Pérez, Mexico, Para powerlifting

Bounced back after a disappointing performance at the 2019 World Championships to win the Parapan title in the women’s up to 55kg.

Ana Custodio, Brazil, Goalball

Led the Brazilian women’s goalball team that took gold at Lima 2019 following a victory over USA in the final.

Daniela Giménez, Argentina, Para swimming

Claimed gold in the 200 m individual medley and 200 m breaststroke SB9, as well as three silvers to finish as her country’s most decorated athlete in Lima.

Jessica Lewis, Bermuda, Para athletics

Enjoyed her best Parapan American performance ever with golds in the 100 m and 400 m T53, and silver in 800 m T53.

Lisbeli Verá, Venezuela, Para athletics

Sprang into the international scene at just 17 years old with gold in 400 m T47, and silvers in 100 m and 200 m T47.

Omara Durand, Cuba, Para athletics

The world’s fastest female Paralympian delivered once again another fantastic performance and too home three titles in the 100 m, 200 m and 400 m T12.

Poleth Mendes, Ecuador, Para athletics

Broke a Parapan American record with a 12.75 throw on her way to gold in the women’s shot put F20.

Sara Vargas, Colombia, Para swimming

Lima 2019’s youngest athlete at 12 was a huge sensation in the pool after winning four golds and one silver.

Tamara Leonelli, Chile, Table tennis

Became the first gold medalist of Lima 2019 after taking the title in the women’s class 5.

Nominations are compiled from submissions by National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from across the continent.

The 2019 Americas Athlete of the Month winners are:

• January – Johanna Sossa and Johana Martínez, Colombia, wheelchair tennis

• February – Rebeca Valenzuela Álvarez, Mexico, Para athletics

• March – Matías Pino, Chile, Para table tennis

• April – Daniel Martins, Brazil, Para athletics

• May – Sherman Güity, Costa Rica, Para athletics

• June – Luis Flores, Chile, Para table tennis

• July – Juan Carlos Garrido, Chile, Para powerlifting

SOURCE: Americas Paralympic Committee

 

Lima 2019 will be the fondest memory for the Para athletes who, thanks to the Parapan American Games, were recognized by a country that valued their efforts to bring joy to all Peruvians. This morning, the 15 Para athletes who had the honor of winning a medal received well-deserved recognition. 

The Government Palace opened its doors so that President Martín Vizcarra could award a distinction to the Para athletes, in the rank of “Comendador,” under Supreme Resolution No. 141-2019-RE. This decoration was awarded to the gold medalists: Pilar Jáuregui (Para badminton, WH2), Angélica Espinoza (Para taekwondo, K44 -49 kg), Pedro Pablo de Vinatea (Para badminton, SL3), Rosbil Guillén (Para athletics, 1500 m T11) and Israel Hilario (Para cycling road, men’s time trial C1-2). 

The Para athletes who obtained a silver medal were also awarded this decoration: Luis Sandoval (Para athletics, 5000 m T11), Carlos Felipa (Para athletics, shot put F63) and Jorge Arcela (shooting Para sport, mixed 10 m air rifle prone SH1). The same distinction was awarded to the bronze medalists: Noemí Vásquez (Para powerlifting, -50 kg), Efraín Sotacuro (Para athletics, 1500 m T46), Héctor Salvá (Para badminton, SS63), Rodrigo Santillán (Para swimming, men’s 100 m backstroke S2 (S1)), William Fernández (Para taekwondo, K44 -61kg), Fred Villalobos (Judo -81 kg) and Dunia Felices (Para swimming, women’s 50 m butterfly S5 (S1-S4)). Peru obtained five gold, three silver and seven bronze medals at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games.  

On behalf of the Para athletes, Pedro Pablo de Vinatea gave thanks for the support they received to achieve good results. “On behalf of all athletes and Para athletes, I want to thank the generous support of the Peruvian Government. These medals will remain in our hearts. We’re proud to inspire our fellow Peruvians. Now they recognize and congratulate us. We’re respected and admired. They now see us as highly competitive athletes. We were able to put on a great show and we’re Peruvian winners. From now on there’s no turning back. We’ve made the whole country proud. And we want the Government to continue support Para sports. On behalf of all sports, thank you very much, Mr. President,” said a moved De Vinatea during his speech. 

The Para athletes and the president of the National Paralympic Association of Peru, Lucha Villar, gave President Martín Vizcarra replicas of the Lima 2019 medals and the Peruvian delegation’s jacket as a thank you. 

The great Callao Regional Sports Village, one of the most important and impressive sport venues of Lima 2019, hosted a glorious session of Para taekwondo on its last day of competition.

Throughout two sessions filled with adrenaline, the first from 09:00 to 12:45 and the second from 15:00 to 18:30, an unconditional audience encouraged our representatives, Shiroy Rentería (men’s k44 -75 kg category) and José Navarro (men’s K44 +75 kg category), as well as the other representatives of the continent with great enthusiasm.

Rentería managed to dispute, without success, the bronze medal against Argentinian Juan Samorano, after he was defeated 25-03 by the Costa Rican Andrés Molina in his first fight. However, in the repechage round, he beat USA’s Michael Kacer 27-15.

The Para athletes who finally reached the medal table: Mexican Juan García (gold), Cuban Adrián García (silver), Argentinian Juan Samorano (bronze), and Costa Rican Andrés Molina (bronze).

As for the category in which Navarro participated, the ones who reached the podium were: USA’s Evan Medell (gold), Mexicans Francisco Pedroza (silver) and Edgar Torres (bronze), and USA’s Johnny Birch (bronze).

In the women’s K44 +58 kg category, which was also disputed today, the Para athletes who won medals were: Mexican Daniela Martínez (gold), and Brazilians Debora Bezerra (silver) and Leylianne Samara (bronze).

It is worth mentioning that in these Lima 2019 Games, Para taekwondo had its Parapan American debut; only one year before being included as a Paralympic sport in Tokyo 2020 for the first time.

In Lima 2019, the Para taekwondo competitions gathered a total of 47 Para athletes from 16 countries. The medals won by Angélica Espinoza (gold) and William Fernández (bronze) stay at home.

The story behind each medal won by the four Para athletes, during the press conference about the Lima 2019closing ceremony, is the true reflection that everything is possible in life. Peruvian athletes Israel Hilario and Angélica Espinoza, Colombian Angélica Bernal, as well as Brazilian Verónica Hipólito, showed their immense gratitude with the organization of the Parapan American Games.

Hilario (Para cycling) and Espinoza (Para taekwondo) won two gold medals for Peru yesterday and thrilled the fans. Hilario achieved a better record in the time trial event, despite competing in an integrated race against opponents with a lesser physical impairment. The athlete from Huánuco thanked Lima 2019.

“These Parapan American Games became a very important vehicle for social inclusion, because athletes with an impairment have demonstrated that we are productive and represent Peru with dignity,” said Hilario, Lima 2019 Ambassador, who won gold in Para road cycling. 

Likewise, Espinoza stated that Lima 2019 became one more reason for hope for the Para athletes. “With these Games it was demonstrated that many things can be improved with opportunities, because we have always had spirit and sacrifice, and surely in Santiago 2023 you will see a more important delegation in terms of results,” she mentioned.

The story of Brazilian Hipólito is moving. After overcoming 203 benign tumors that made her unable to train since 2007, she reached the last quota for Lima 2019 in the final stretch. Not even the two head surgeries that prostrated her two years in bed could with her energy. She will take home three silver medals and the affection of Peru.

“I enjoyed these Games more than the ones in Toronto because I literally came back from nowhere. Doctors said I could not compete again and winning a medal was illogical. Life brought me to Peru and I leave grateful to everyone and my message is that sport is only the first step for an inclusive society. We can regain happiness with sport,” stated Veronica, a former world and Parapan American champion.

Finally, Colombian Bernabe, who won gold and silver medal in wheelchair tennis (singles and doubles) also obtained a quota for Tokyo 2020. She never gave up despite losing her right leg and today is among the best in the Americas. “Peru did a great job of inclusion that could be imitated by other countries,” she said.

Callao witnessed the victory of William Fernandez, who won the bronze medal for Peru in men’s taekwondo, defeating Argentinian Facundo Novia at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games.

Fernández beat Novik during the competition held at the Callao Sports Center, where he was cheered on by the audience from start to finish.

The Peruvian representative showed his strength and determination in each point he obtained when facing his opponent.

It must be noted that Peruvian fans made feel their emotion because their chants were heard beyond the competition venue.

After the event, Fernández greeted the spectators with emotion and made gestures of gratitude.

This afternoon, with the support of all spectators, Peruvian Angélica Espinoza claimed the gold medal in Lima 2019 women’s Para taekwondo.

Espinoza fiercely fought for each point, beating her rival Claudia Romero from Mexico.

Each point scored by the Peruvian Para athlete was celebrated by the whole coliseum, who screamed: “Peru, Peru, Peru!” and “Cómo no te voy a querer si eres mi Perú querido, mi país bendito que me vio nacer.” (“How couldn't I love you, if you are my lovely Peru, my blessed country where I was born.”)

During the fight, spectators spelled the Peruvian athlete’s name: Angelica. Every time she scored, fans raised the letters and cheered loud for her.

At the end, Espinoza bursts with joy carrying the Peruvian flag and thanks all fans who supported her.

This event was attended by the President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee Carlos Neuhaus, who enjoyed this Para taekwondo event.

 

The Parapan American Games are in their final stage and this long weekend, which starts on August 29, will be the best chance to enjoy the last days of the event that has left a permanent mark in Peru’s sports history.

The experience of watching the competitions will, of course, be a win-win: our Para athletes will have the warm support of the public, while the public will be filled with motivation and pride when they see them triumph.

Guide for the Long Weekend

There are several Para sports that you can experience as a family, inside the impressive competition venues that, after the Games, will remain as a legacy for all Peruvians.

The competitions include the women’s wheelchair basketball semifinals, which will take place tomorrow with Canada versus Brazil and USA versus Argentina, in Sports Center 1 of VIDENA, starting at 18:30.

The boccia competition will take place during the morning session in the Villa El Salvador Sports Center, between 09:00 and 15:00. The Peruvian team will be competing thanks to Dean Tierry Acosta, Carlos Cano, María Cecilia Pancca and Javier Soto.

Boccia—an adaptation of the ancient Italian game ‘bocce’, played since the times of the Roman Empire—is just as much a sports event as it is a cultural one. Take part in these competitions from Thursday, August 29, to Sunday, September 1.

During the weekend, a good option is to cheer on Peruvian representative and flagbearer, Angélica Espinoza, in Para taekwondo (Miguel Grau Coliseum, Callao). The women’s and men’s competition, as well as the qualifiers, will take place this Friday and Saturday from 09:00 to 13:00. The medals will be decided on Friday and Saturday, starting at 15:00 until 20:00.

Another interesting option is wheelchair tennis. The defining matches will be contested starting tomorrow at Club Lawn Tennis de la Exposición, with the participation of the best tennis players in the world, such as Argentinian Gustavo Fernández. The winners will be decided between tomorrow and Friday, the final day of this Para sport.

Peruvian Support

Other Peruvians who need our support are Dunia Felices, Rodrigo Santillán and Harrison Linares, who will compete in Para swimming (VIDENA) until August 31, as well as the well-known and beloved Lima 2019 ambassadors, Pedro Pablo Vinatea and Pilar Jáuregui, who will compete in Para badminton (VIDENA) and will fight for the gold from August 29 to September 1. The competitions will take place in Sports Center 3 of VIDENA, with a good chance that our Para athletes will make it to the podium.

Another good option is goalball (Miguel Grau Coliseum, Callao), the only sport created specifically for people with a visual impairment. Support our fellow Peruvians until Saturday during two daily sessions (10:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 20:00). The ranking will be determined in the men’s semifinals, starting tomorrow.

Buy Your Tickets

Tickets for Lima 2019 Parapan American Games competitions can be purchased at the points of sale located in the Jockey Plaza shopping center in Santiago de Surco and Metro and Wong supermarkets in the districts of Chorrillos, Independencia, La Molina, Lima, Miraflores, San Borja, San Isidro, San Juan de Miraflores, San Miguel and Surco. 

You can also get your tickets on the Lima 2019 website www.lima2019.pe or Teleticket website https://teleticket.com.pe/lima2019.

Tickets start at PEN 10 and there will be a 50% discount for people under the age of 18 and over the age of 60, as well as people with an impairment.

Additionally, if you live in one of the districts where a Lima 2019 Parapan American Games sports venue is located, you can purchase general tickets for the various competitions for only PEN 5.

All you have to do is show your DNI at the ticket booths of the venues in Callao, Villa El Salvador, Villa María del Triunfo, San Luis, San Miguel, Santiago de Surco and Jesús María.

As it was announced in the closing ceremony of Toronto 2015—the last edition of the Games—the three Para sports will make their debut in the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games. Our multi-sports event, the most important in the continent, was elected to host for the first time the shooting Para sport, Para taekwondo and Para badminton competitions.

In addition, after their debut in the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, Para taekwondo and Para badminton will start their road to Tokyo 2020, where they will be official Paralympic sports for the first time. By contrast, shooting Para sport has been part of the Paralympic program since the Toronto 1976 Paralympic Games.

Competitions at Lima 2019:

In shooting Para sport there will be pistol (athletes with an impairment in lower limbs) and rifle (athletes with an impairment in upper and lower limbs using a stand to shoot) events, and it will take place in the brand-new Las Palmas Air Base Shooting Range.

More than 40 Para athletes—who come from eleven countries of the region—will compete on August 24, 25, 26 and 27 starting at 09:00. The American athlete McKenna Dahl, who won the bronze medal in Rio 2016 in rifle will be present among them. 

Para taekwondo will also have two disciplines: combat or kyorugi (athletes with an impairment in upper limbs) and poomsae (athletes with intellectual or visual impairment), and it will be hosted in the Callao Sports Center. The competitions will gather a total of 47 Para athletes from 16 countries on Friday, August 30 (at 09:00 and 15:00) and on Saturday, August 31 (at 09:00 and 15:00).

On the other hand, Para badminton will include three events (athletes with physical impairment with or without prosthesis and wheelchair) and it will be hosted at the VIDENA Sports Center 3. A total of 50 Para athletes from 11 countries will compete on August 29 and 30. The finals will be held on August 31 at 09:00 and 15:00 and on September 1—the last day of the Games—at 08:00.

Peru is present 

The Peruvian delegation for this Parapan American Games will be the largest ever. It will consist of 139 Para athletes, including those participating in the Para sports that will make their debut in the Lima 2019 program.

The shooting Para sport team is made up of Jorge Arcela, Steve Medina, and Milagros Palomino. The Peruvian representatives in Para taekwondo are Angélica Espinoza, the delegation’s flag bearer; William Fernández; José Navarro; and Shiroy Rentería.

The Peruvian Para badminton team includes stars such as Pilar Jáuregui, Pedro Pablo de Vinatea, Alberto Cadenillas, Pablo Cueto, Roberth Fajardo, Esteban Juárez, Ronald Miranda, Laura Puntriano, Jesús Salvador, and Jenny Ventocilla. They make up one of the largest teams in the Peruvian delegation.

It is worth mentioning that Peru has obtained better results at the Paralympic Games (8 medals) than at the Olympic Games (4 medals). Therefore, it is quite possible that this Parapan American Games, held in Peru, will serve as a springboard for Tokyo 2020 for many Para athletes.

 

Alexandra Grande, two-time Pan American champion in karate, wanted to meet Angélica Espinoza, taekwondo athlete at the Parapan American Games and Peruvian delegation flag bearer.

This encounter took place at the Peruvian Olympic Committee Gym in VIDENA. Alexandra arrived and met a shy Angelica, who was surprised by the visit. “I feel proud and happy that you have been chosen as the flag bearer,” said Alexandra to Angélica.

“It’s really nice to see athletes approaching us; this doesn’t happen very often, and I know Alexandra is a great champion, so I really appreciate her words,” declared Angélica. She expressed pride for having been chosen as the Peruvian delegation flag bearer and represent its 139 athletes.

Alexandra invited everyone to support the Para athletes, because this sports event is not over. “Let people rest their throats, so they can go to the Opening Ceremony and support the athletes, because we need everyone’s support. We’re giving the post to them. Now I’m just another fan and I’d love to see a full coliseum, just like when I competed,” she highlighted.

The outstanding karate athlete, who also confirmed that she will be carrying the Parapan American Torch, did not hesitate to put on the uniform and challenge Angélica. They took pictures together with Milco, the official Parapan American Games mascot.

She was also very supportive. “We are at home and we must take advantage of the support we receive. I told Angélica to have fun and show everyone that she is the best and sweep all of her rivals,” said Alexandra with a laugh.

Para taekwondo events will be held at the Callao Sports Center on August 30 and 31. “It would be great to have the support and warmth of all Peruvians,” said Angélica.

At the end of this encounter, Alexandra and Angélica invited everyone to the Parapan American Games, which will start on August 23, by shouting “Arriba Perú” (Let’s go Peru) and “Let’s all play!”  

Get your tickets at lima2019.pe/tickets or at any authorized point of sale. Prices start at PEN 20 for ceremonies and PEN 10 for competitions. Remember there will be a 50% discount for children under 18, senior citizens and people with an impairment.