The revival of the best Pan American Games in history is a latent wish of our country. Lima is once again in the eyes of the world, this time ready to host a party where she was initially just a guest. In October 2023, Panam Sports – the Pan American sports organization that manages the games every four years – officially declared Barranquilla the host city of the XX The Colombian city was not suitable to organize the sporting event.
The alleged non-compliance with payments led Panam Sports to make the decision to remove the venue from Barranquilla. This was confirmed on January 2nd. A day later, the world found out and Peru was alerted. Led by the enthusiasm of our athletes asking about the venue via their social networks, a campaign was launched. María Fernanda Reyes, a gold medalist at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in the surfing longboard category, and Dunia Felices, a para-athlete who won a bronze medal in the 50-meter butterfly competition at Lima 2019, were there.
“Lima 2019 was a before and after for the country and for us athletes. Feeling the support of our people is something inexplicable.” These are the words of María Fernanda, supported by an excited Dunia. “The organization and unity of Peruvians was reflected in the Pan American Games.”
The best. The aquatics center has hosted Pan American Championships and World Championships. Photo: John Reyes/La República
The process
Panam Sports sent a letter to the Olympic committees in the region opening the candidacy process. What did it take for Lima to join the list? Have the support of the government and the municipality of Lima. President Dina Boluarte announced in a public event that she “sent a communication to the President of the Pan American Sports Organization expressing the support and approval of the Peruvian government to officially nominate Lima as the host city of the Pan American Games in 2027 .”
This information was confirmed by the President of the Peruvian Olympic Committee, Renzo Manyari, who spoke to La República and explained details of the steps taken and the time we will have to wait to finally know if we achieve victory. “Peru is officially a candidate to host the Pan American Games. “All the documents were delivered last Monday,” he assured. Cities interested in being included on the candidate list have until January 31st to officially introduce themselves. Then we find out which cities will win. So far it is known that Asunción is the toughest rival.
In the first week of February, the applications will be analyzed to determine which ones are valid, which ones are not, and whether any documents need to be corrected. Once this is completed, the Olympic Committees of the mentioned cities will receive a visit from a technical delegation from Panam Sports to analyze the state of the city and determine whether it is capable of hosting the Pan American and Parapan American Games. “I estimate that the Panam Sports Virtual Extraordinary Meeting will take place in late February or early March, where the Olympic Committees will vote on which city will host,” Manyari added.
Important. María Fernanda Reyes and Dunia Felices, renowned Peruvian athletes. Photo: CompositionLR/La República
Does Lima have any advantages?
It is inevitable to go back in time and remember that five years ago Peru made a very good impression thanks to Lima 2019. It was an investment of almost five billion soles, which was reflected in the modern infrastructure.
The sports facilities built for the Pan American Games were far from being “white elephants” as many had predicted. A clearer view of the situation is provided by the executive director of Legado, Álvaro Castro, who assures that these five sports infrastructures are in optimal conditions to host a tournament of the highest level: Legado de Costa Verde, Videna, Punta Rocas, Villa María del Triunfo and Villa El Salvador. “Thanks to the festivities and the constant international tournaments, this infrastructure is continuously used.”
Lima's main advantage is undoubtedly its infrastructure. There will be no promises of construction, it is already a reality. In addition, we must add that our country has the human capital trained to face these games.
Lower costs
In contrast to 2019, the investments that the country will make would be lower. “I estimate it would be $350 million to $400 million at most, in my opinion. “With this premise, one must take into account that there will be new sports such as lacrosse and others that are included in the Olympic program,” said the President of the COP.
The numbers don't lie. The economic, social, environmental, cultural and sporting legacy left by Lima in 2019 is reflected in significant figures. The games generated more than 5.2 billion soles and revenues of more than $900 million are expected for Lima 2027. In addition, this will also serve to complete the works in the city for the benefit of the population, since thanks to the Pan American Games, the work on Terminal 2 of the airport could be accelerated, such as some repairs on the Lima Metro. In addition and no less important, the presence of the national brand will benefit. In 2019 there were reports of more than a billion dollars and it is estimated that it will be even higher by 2027.
There are also sporting successes. In Lima 2019, our athletes showed their best performance when they won 11 gold medals, which they were able to maintain for Santiago 2023.
Accepted. The athletics track is now used by more than 300 athletes from 10 leagues. Photo: John Reyes/La República
“One advantage is the infrastructure”
Diana Gonzales, former volleyball player and congresswoman
Before the nomination was officially announced by the President of the Republic, I paid a visit to Legado to find out a little more about the possible nomination proposal. They were already preparing a report and reviewing the data on what this eventual application might mean. One advantage of the country is the infrastructure it has. I understand that there is also another application from a South American country, but we are optimistic after meeting Legado. By 2027, Lima 2019's infrastructure will be eight years old and we know what maintaining these venues means.
It is important to highlight what the Bolivarians of Ayacucho 2024 and Lima-Ayacucho 2025 could mean. This should happen on the way to the Pan American Games, as in any case some of the already established venues would be used.
Data
- Historical. Peru achieved a total of 41 medals in Lima 2019. This achievement also allowed Peru to achieve its historic best ranking: 10 out of 41 countries in the competition.
- Budget. The grants granted to the various sports associations are the same as in 2019.