A few days before the start of the Parapan American Games, the "Learn through Play" festival took place at Marco Capac Square in La Victoria district last Sunday. It was the perfect time to promote different sports, such as football 5-a-side, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and athletics for athletes with visual impairment.
The karate bronze medalist Ingrid Aranda participated in the kata exhibition blindfolded and in a football 5-a-side match as well, where
Milco played as goalkeeper. "I didn't know where to stand at first, but the ball had a rattle that helped me locate it and listen if the ball had hit Milco or if I had scored a goal. It is both incredible and complicated. I'm sure my teammates will showcase all their talent to all Peruvians," she added.
"It was amazing to try out these Para sports. We've experienced them at first hand, and it was incredible," said Carlos Lam, gold medalist in men's team kata, who played sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball and Para athletics.
"I thought it would be easy, but once I sat on the wheelchair and started running blindfolded, I found out it was way more complicated. That's why I'd like to invite everyone to root for our Para athletes; they're about to teach us all a lesson of inclusion," said John Trebejo, who paired up with Carlos to win the gold in men's team kata.
Saida Salcedo, bronze medalist in women's team kata, practiced all Para sports and was very excited for
the beginning of the Parapan American Games. "Trying most of the Para sports was the best thing ever. Losing one sense is hard, so I admire the drive of all Para athletes. I'm sure people will enjoy every moment of it. Watching them live is even more beautiful," she stressed.
Claudia Suarez, gold medalist in Peruvian fronton and the most experienced player in the Lima 2019 women's delegation joined the youngest Peruvian athlete Alexia Sotomayor in sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.
"It's really hard. We play with all our senses. We know how to move on the field of play. But this is different. For example, in football 5-a-side, you must develop many senses. I really admire them," Suarez mentioned.
As for Sotomayor, she talked about wheelchair basketball. "It was complicated to handle the wheelchair and the ball at the same time because you had to move and dunk a basketball all at once. That's complicated," she said.
The spectators had a great time with Milco and had the chance to buy tickets for the
Opening Ceremony and the different competitions.
"It's not over yet. We have to keep supporting our teammates that will participate in the
Parapan American Games. Now, it's their turn to show everyone what they are capable of," concluded Ingrid Aranda, bronze medalist in kata at the Pan American Games.