Lima 2019 visited San Juan de Lurigancho to promote the Pan American and Parapan American Games and held a women's boxing exhibition with national boxers who will compete in Lima 2019 representing Peru.
Fiorela Goicochea, Lucy Valdivia, Esperanza Ipanaqué and Alondra Benites showed all their skills in front of a large group of primary and secondary level students from the 0163 Néstor Escudero Otero school in San Juan de Lurigancho.
“If you decide to practice any sport, go for it, it’s not difficult. It’s never too late, fight for your dreams," said Esperanza Ipanaqué, who will compete in the lightweight and flyweight classes.
She recalled that “boxing is part of my life and now I’m training for the Pan American Games. I hope to have good results.”
Lucy Valdivia, who will represent Peru in the flyweight and light flyweight classes, could not hide her joy at students’ support. “I’ve been able to show what I have learned about the sport that I love so much and I hope that someone from here becomes a champion,” she said.
“I tell the kids to go and see the competitions so that they have the experience of seeing the best world athletes at the Games,” recommended Lucy Valdivia.
This event took place as part of the program “TOP Peru en las Escuelas 2019” (TOP Peru at schools 2019) carried out by the Ministry of Education through the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD).
“Girls who practice boxing came to tell the students that we’re all able to practice sports. It’s important to see them as heroines as they are going to fight for a medal and they’re going to represent Peru during the Pan American Games,” said Susana Córdova, National Director of Physical Education and Sport from the Ministry of Education.
“It’s been a very nice afternoon for the students and I know that they’re going to experience the Games in the best way. We’re very committed to sport, there’s no better way than to practice it,” said Felimón Damián Chumbe, Deputy Director of the School.
Boxing competitions will be held at the Miguel Grau Coliseum in Callao from July 27 to August 2.