Four years after the very first edition in Colombia, the Junior Pan American Games made the heart of Asunción beat in unison from August 9 to 23. The capital of Paraguay welcomed some 4.000 athletes from 41 countries and 28 different sports. This edition " set bold standards for gender equality, with more female athletes competing ", the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP) is pleased to announce. Above all, it has allowed the country to score points on its ambitious path, which may lead it to hosting the Youth Olympic Games in five years.
More than 3.000 volunteers mobilized
Paraguay is developing an ambitious strategy to establish itself on the international sports scene, such as the construction of an ultra-modern Olympic Aquatics Centre, inaugurated in JulyThe most modern complex of its kind in the region, with two swimming pools and 2.500 seats. The venue, a symbol of national ambition, hosted its first competitions during the Junior Pan American Games. Neven Ilic, president of the Panam Sports Pan American sports organization, was unequivocal when it came to assessing the event, which was supposed to kick-start a dynamic.
« Two years ago, we were preparing for these Games with great enthusiasm, and I want to thank you all for the celebration you gave us. We carry the Paraguayan people in our hearts; you opened the door to your country, and we appreciate that very much., he said on the sidelines of the closing ceremonyThis entire celebration would not be possible without the hard work of the organizing committee. Thank you for working tirelessly day and night. Many thanks to all the volunteers, who were very warm and always smiling. "There were precisely 3.295 volunteers involved, sending a very optimistic signal about the population's alignment with this long-term vision.
"Asunción is ready to contribute to the Olympic Movement at the highest level"
The COP believes that at the end of these Games, " Asunción has demonstrated that it is ready and capable of organizing major multi-sport events. ", by meeting the expectations of athletes, but not only. The simplified visa procedure has allowed " international visitors to enter safely " on the territory, and the transport system between the sites has also given satisfaction.
« Paraguay is proud to have welcomed the continent's youth with open arms. These Games reflect not only the excellence of our organization and national hospitality, but also the government's unwavering support in transforming Paraguay into an international sports hub., underlines Santiago Peña, the President of the Republic. Our ambition is to continue this momentum, to strengthen our sporting capacities and to create more opportunities for young people. »
Camilo Pérez López Moreira, president of the COP, is logically on the same wavelength: " These Games were a celebration of youth and sport, demonstrating Paraguay's capacity for excellence. Our athletes, volunteers, and citizens rose to the challenge and demonstrated that Asunción is ready to contribute to Pan American sport and the Olympic Movement at the highest level. » By hosting the Youth Olympic Games in 2030, as well as the Pan American Games in 2031 – for which Asunción is in competition with Brazil.
