11:13 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jul. 5.
Hundreds of people and students of major educational institutions in Cusco participated in the lighting of the Pan American cauldron, which took place after the
Lima 2019 torch made its way through the main streets of the famed Andean city.
The Inca Garcilaso de la Vega Stadium, the starting point of the
torch relay across the country, was filled with festivity and tons of joy, accompanied by artistic representations recalling the Inca Empire majesty.
Rina Cjura, who will compete in the 3,000-metre steeplechase at Lima 2019, lighted the Pan American cauldron.
"Witnessing the blending of two cultures is impressive. The
Ruins of Teotihuacan belong to a culture that flourished 2,000 years ago and was preserved as a sacred monument by the Aztecs. What we have done here is to bring our principal cultures together —the Aztecs and the Incas— as the Pan American Torch arrives,"
Neuhaus said.
"Sport knows no borders, creeds, or divisions. It is transversal. Sport brings people together. Because of sport, 41 countries —including ours— as well as 6,680 top athletes in world, are going to be present at Lima 2019 Games," the Lima 2019 Pan American Games Organizing Committee (COPAL) President added in his speech at the Cusco-based stadium.
"A total of 22 sports will act as qualifiers for the
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in contrast to the previous (Pan American Games) edition, where the number was lower," he stated.
Neuhaus stressed the importance of hosting the Games. "The list of competitors is ready and includes gold medalists of previous Olympic Games. World champions are coming. That is why Peru is getting ready for the party."
About Lima 2019
The Lima 2019 Pan American Games will gather 6,680 athletes from 41 countries and delegations of the Americas. The continental event will open on July 26 at the National Stadium located in the Peruvian capital.
The competitions will take place in 14 districts of Lima and Callao for 17 days. Some of the main venues will be VIDENA, Villa Maria del Triunfo Sports Center, Callao Regional Sports Village, Villa El Salvador Sports Center, Punta Rocas, among others.
The Lima 2019 Pan American Games will include 39 sports and 61 disciplines, in which athletes will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals. A total of 22 disciplines are qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The Parapan American Games will gather 1,890 Para athletes from 33 countries, who will participate in 17 Para sports and 18 disciplines.
Competitions will take place from August 23 to September 1, 2019. Additionally, 13 sports will be qualifiers for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
(END) NDP/RES/RMB/MVB
Published: 7/5/2019