17:23 | Huancayo (Junin region), Jul. 12.
The Pan American Torch has arrived in Huancayo —the capital of Andean Junin region— where it was welcomed by thousands who lined the streets along its route to the city's stadium.
The Lima 2019 Games' symbol arrived from Ayacucho City and was received by Juan Jose Castillo, an outstanding athlete who has represented Peru in several international competitions, including the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.
Children and adults took to the streets as the 39 torchbearers carried the Lima 2019 Pan American Flame across six kilometers before reaching the stadium, where an amazing welcome and cauldron lighting ceremony was held.
Huancayo-born athlete Kimberly Garcia Leon, who finished 14th at the
Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games' 20 kilometer race walk competition,
carried the torch while entering the stadium amid an ovation from thousands of attendees who gathered at the city's major sports facility.
Afterwards, the national anthem was sung and followed by artistic performances.
Some 50 artists danced to the beat of
Huacones de Mito —a ritual dance listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Other 80 dancers performed the war dance of the Shapis, and 100 couples presented a modern version of Huaylarsh.
(END) PTM/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 7/12/2019