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Institucional
Basque pelota is one of the new sports that Lima 2019 will feature. Competitions will take place at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center. Forty-five days before the Games start, Emily Paredes and Carla Rodríguez visited 7080 Jorge Bernales Salas school to interact with students and promote their sport.
Both Basque pelota athletes, who will play trinquete for the Peruvian team, participated in the "Soy Lima 2019" campaign that aims to spread the Olympic and Paralympic values.
"We dream of competing in the Pan American Games; it's fulfilling for us athletes to take part in this kind of events. The way children look at us makes us feel proud and happy because we have to set an example for them," said the representative from Trujillo, Carla Rodriguez.
The day began with an entertaining dance routine as part of the 10 minutes of physical activity promoted by the Ministry of Education, which the athletes joined. Then, a group of children played the sport together with the Basque pelota national athletes.
"I think it's fascinating to interact with the kids and let them try the paleta themselves. This is an excellent initiative to promote athletes and Para athletes," stated Emily Paredes.
While the kids were asking for pictures and some autographs, Emily said to them: "My advice to you is, if you want to achieve something, never give up until you do."
The legacy of this sport will be significant because the modern courts installed in the Villa Maria del Triunfo Sports Center will result in its development.
"The neighbors have a great opportunity to play this sport by having the only Basque pelota courts," said Emily Paredes.
Carla Rodriguez pointed out that "this is the beginning, this is the way to promote sports, in schools, and I hope future champions will come out. I would love to see some of the kids from this school participating in the Pan American Games."
Basque pelota competitions will be held at the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center from August 4 to 10. Athletes from 11 countries will compete for the ten gold medals being contested.
