We're only six months away from the main sports event that will be held on August 23, and Lima 2019 Operations Manager, Alberto Valenzuela, showed the organization's main progress on the occasion of the Parapan American Games Chefs de Mission seminar.
He pointed out the legacy that the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee will leave for the country, mainly regarding the accommodation facility located in the heart of Villa El Salvador. “The most important aspect is the legacy that will remain for the country as well as different accessible works. One of the most important is the Pan American and Parapan American Village, which is the first accessible building in Peru, with more than 300 accessible apartments, wide corridors and large elevators for wheelchairs,” he stated.
“These are the first seven accessible buildings in Peru and it is a Government investment. We have never built this way. It is a great progress for our country. The Games are an example of Government modernization. We are really excited to receive delegations and provide them all relevant assistance to participate in Lima 2019,” emphasized Valenzuela.
“We are working on having inclusive Games. We have to change as a country, city and society to celebrate this sports event. Peru will be on the spotlight; therefore, there are a lot of people involved in the organization,” he indicated.
ACCESSIBLE VILLAGE
There are 1,096 apartments at the Village, 548 of them of 70 m2, 212 of 73 m2, and 336 of 75 m2. These last apartments have been modified to be accessible for people with impairments. Each building has four elevators with a capacity for up to 18 people and wheelchair access.
The Village has tactile paving in pedestrian areas and bike lane in order to facilitate the commute of athletes with visual impairments staying at the Village.
Also, Braille signage on all the floors of the Pan American and Parapan American Village has been implemented. This “universal language” warns and informs people about the flow and necessary measures in case of an event endangering an athlete with visual impairment.
The system was also placed in the four elevators’ dials, which are distributed in two axis, in each of its seven towers, so people can operate them to reach the desired floor.
These buildings have spacious inner corridors and elevators to facilitate the transit of people with impairments who have to move around in a wheelchair.