Paraguay's dream is taking shape. On Friday, the Panam Sports Extraordinary General Assembly awarded the 2031 Pan American Games to Asunción. Competing against the Brazilian duo of Rio de Janeiro and Niteroi, the Paraguayan capital won the bid with 28 votes to 24. A narrow victory, precious in the country's journey, and symbolically powerful.
David vs Goliath
Camilo Pérez López Moreira, president of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee and IOC member, saw much more than just a victory in the decision made by Panam Sports. It is a day that will remain forever etched in the history of Paraguayan sport., did he declare. We have shown that small countries can also dream big and make those dreams come true. (…) I know it is sometimes difficult to push the button to support David; it requires a little more effort. We always want to ensure we stand on the side of Goliath. That is why I am very happy. "In the role of Goliath, Brazil indeed brought more guarantees: proven experience in organizing major events, such as the 2014 World Cup or Rio 2016, and a good number of infrastructures inherited from the last Olympic and Paralympic Games.
At the end of September, during the visit of the evaluation commission, the president of Panam Sports, Neven Ilic, recalled his roadmap: " First, we want to ensure that the Games can take place in the best possible conditions and that the highest authorities provide all the necessary guarantees for their smooth running. They must be well organized, and the athletes must feel comfortable and be able to compete in high-quality facilities. The most important thing is that the athletes feel they can come and compete in the best possible conditions, and that we can offer them all the necessary guarantees. "The victory of the Paraguayan outsider, a country of barely 7 million inhabitants, is not to be taken lightly in this context. The determination of its leaders, right up to the highest levels of government, certainly weighed heavily in the balance.
“A nation that believes in sport”
Fully committed to this sporting ambition, the President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, quickly reacted to this attribution: " Today, Paraguay once again makes history. Hosting the 2031 Pan American Games recognizes the efforts of an entire nation that believes in sport as a driving force for development, education, and unity. These Games will be an opportunity to show the world a modern, green, youthful Paraguay committed to its people. » Asunción welcomed the Junior Pan American Games this summer, a crucial step in its rise, which will continue in particular with the World Skate Games in a year. The capital now benefits from a brand new aquatic center, and its infrastructure will expand further by 2031 with an athletics stadium and a new arena within the Olympic Park.
« Paraguay has already demonstrated its capabilities, passion, and hospitality at the Junior Pan American Games. In 2031, all of the Americas will once again feel at home in Asunción. ", promises the deputy director general of the Committee for Major Events in Paraguay, Larissa Schaerer. Camilo Pérez López Moreira, for his part, assured that these Pan American Games will be " a legacy for all the Americas: Games designed for athletes, sustainable, inclusive and deeply human "This victory against Rio-Niteroi also sends a signal of confidence in view of the other events that the country is eyeing, notably the 2030 Youth Olympic Games: dreaming is not forbidden.
