The
Lima 2019 Pan American Games will put Peru on the map and provide an excellent opportunity to promote the Inca country's wonders, President Martin Vizcarra said on Tuesday.
Vizcarra underscored the Pan American Games are considered the third largest sporting event in the world, behind only the Olympics and the
FIFA World Cup.
The 2019 edition will host 7,000 athletes from 41 nations, and competitors will do their best since
Lima 2019 serves as a qualifying event for the
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
"So, Peru got the chance to host them, and this is going to put the country on map," he indicated.
Additionally, the statesman affirmed the Pan American Games go beyond the sporting arena as they contribute to local tourism and economic industries, given that many people will arrive in the Andean nation to attend the event and support their compatriots.
"Therefore, we have to be a megadiverse country that opens its arms to visitors,
with excellent gastronomy and taking the opportunity to showcase it even more (…) TV channels from all (competing) countries are expected to come. They will showcase the country's wonders while covering athletes and competitions. This is a great opportunity to promote our Peru," he added.
The Peruvian leader recalled that some sectors recently questioned the Government's capacity to organize the Games and even said the
sporting infrastructure was not going to be completed in time.
(END) CCR/RMB/MVB
Published: 5/14/2019