The
President of the Republic, Francisco Sagasti, on Monday handed over the national flag to the delegation of athletes who will participate at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, to whom he asked to raise it high.
"In addition to your physical and spiritual strength, take with you the courage and encouragement of Peruvians, who will support you from afar, keeping track of the things you do and will do in Tokyo. Come on Peru!," he said.
The Head of State noted that the Olympic Games is the most important event in the world and brings together sports delegations that qualified for it with a lot of effort, willingness to work, and hours of training.
For this reason, he congratulated the 34 athletes who will represent the nation to become part of Peruvian sports history, as previous delegations have.
"Peru debuted at the Olympic Games in Paris 120 years ago, sending only one athlete. At present, 34 athletes will represent 33 million Peruvians, who will support them in each race, game, turn, and event they take part in," he remarked.
Mr. Sagasti said he is convinced that athletes will do their utmost to make the country proud, in a year in which Peru celebrates the bicentennial of its independence.
Speaking from the Government Palace, the President reminded athletes that sports entail health, life lessons, discipline, efforts, but also teamwork, following the rules of each discipline.
"No athlete questions the rules of the sport, of the competition they participate in, after losing; sports teach us about winning with humility and losing with nobility, about winning with pride and losing without rancor, which is a lesson that all Peruvians should bear in mind," he said.
(END) FHG/CVC/RMB
Published: 7/5/2021