The boxing and wrestling exhibition organized by Lima 2019 in the Carlos Phillips School in Callao was a success and the large number of children that gathered showed their joy.
This activity is part of the “Callao is Lima 2019” campaign that has been carried out in the schools of Callao with the aim to spread the Pan American and Parapan American Games starting on July 26.
Fiorela Goicochea, a member of the national boxing team, could not hide her excitement when receiving so many expressions of affection from the children, after her presentation along with Lucy Valdivia.
Regarding the exhibitions at schools, Goicochea said, “I would have liked to learn about sports at a younger age, at elementary school.”
“Boxing is my passion, it’s my life. It’s great to be able to fight at home. For the first time, I’m participating in an international event in my country and my goal in these Games is to get the gold medal,” said Goicochea, who will participate in the 51 kg category.
On the other hand, Ronald Valverde, member of the Olympic Wrestling team, said that this type of exhibitions motivates, especially because it gives joy to children and “they see us as an example to be followed.”
“I hope that during the Games they’ll go to cheer us on because we’ll fight at home, here in Callao,” said Valverde, who will compete in the 97 kg category and who also devotes some time to teach the youngest children in the Callao Region.
It is important to note that wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling and boxing will be held in the Miguel Grau Coliseum in Callao.
Finally, Alberto "Chiquito" Rossel, former world boxing champion and current coach of the national boxing team, said: “there will be a legacy left for our country and that’s important for the development of athletes in all sport disciplines. Now, we must represent the country in the best way possible.”
“It's rewarding to see how children enjoy and experience boxing and wrestling. This is a beautiful campaign organized in schools to promote the Pan American and Parapan American Games,” said Yván Tarazona, director of Carlos Phillips school.
In this way, Lima 2019 continues promoting the Pan American and Parapan American Games, and strengthens the values that allow us to practice sports.