The
President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, participated in the countdown ceremony for the
2027 Pan American Games, held at Lima's Main Square on Thursday evening.
Education Minister Jose Antonio Chang, Lima Mayor Renzo Reggiardo, and representatives of Panam Sports, the organizer of the Pan American Games, participated in the event as well.
The countdown ceremony included the activation of the official countdown clock, which marks the time remaining until the start of the Lima 2027 Pan American Games.
The sporting event will once again bring together the continent's top athletes in the Peruvian capital.
During her remarks, the Head of State said organizing this international sporting event is an opportunity to showcase Peru as a country that looks to the future with confidence and a vocation for leadership.
"(The Pan American Games) Lima 2027 is not just a sporting event. It is an opportunity to show the continent Peru's ability to organize with excellence, bring the Americas together through sports, and project a country that looks to the future with confidence, responsibility, and a spirit of leadership," she stated.
The top official noted that Peru will fulfill its responsibility as host of the 20th Pan American Games and the 8th Parapan American Games next year.
"Let us begin the one-year countdown," Fujimori pointed out as she launched the countdown alongside United States multiple-time Olympic gold medalist in artistic gymnastics Simone Biles and Colombia’s Paralympic champion Karen Palomeque.
Country of champions
At another point, Fujimori said that, as President of the Republic and as someone who has always practiced sports as a hobby, she feels deeply connected to the festive atmosphere ahead of the Games.
"For us, as hosts, it is a tremendous responsibility and a source of great pride to host this major sporting event. I dream of a country of champions, with children, young people, men, and women who pursue their dreams and achieve them," she expressed.
The Head of State highlighted the presence of distinguished athletes—champions who know firsthand the effort, discipline, resilience, and courage required to compete—including Simone Biles.
"She (Biles) deeply honors us because she represents not only sporting excellence, but also the ability to transform sports through leadership, innovation, and human strength," Fujimori expressed.
Also participating in the Lima 2027 Pan American Games countdown ceremony were Lima 2027 Organizing Committee and Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD) President Sergio Ludena, Panam Sports President and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Neven Ilic, and Americas Paralympic Committee President Julio Avila Sarria.
(END) HTC/MVB
Publicado: 7/8/2026