Members of Congress Leyla Chihuán Ramos, Ursula Letona Pereyra and Carlos Domínguez Herrera visited the facilities of the Villa María del Triunfo Sports Center, Lima 2019 venue, and were pleased with the infrastructure’s progress for the Pan American and Parapan American Games.
During the visit, the first Vice President of Congress and other members of Parliament were accompanied by Lima 2019 Project and Infrastructure Manager and engineer Wilhelm Funcke who gave details of the infrastructure project and cutting-edge technology used for the construction of this sports center.
When asked, Funcke said that, in a few days and after signing an agreement, the federations will be able to train in these imposing facilities.
“I think that’s essential. We must get to know the competition area so we can have home-field advantage. There’s the illusion and expectation of winning several medals in this venue, so we must all support the Games and our athletes’ preparation. Only a few details are missing for the project to be delivered. Everything is scheduled and planned, so we are satisfied with the construction’s great progress and its quality,” said Chihuán, after touring the Basque pelota and fronton courts, as well as the field hockey, rugby, baseball and softball stadiums, the VMT Aquatic Center, the dressing rooms, training fields, among other competition areas.
“I already see myself cheering our athletes on from the stands. There are at least six schools near this sports center, and I think it will be nice for them to come and see our sports stars,” she stressed. She also welcomed the presence of the sports federations so that they can voice their concerns, which in turn were resolved by the Lima 2019 representatives and those in charge of building this modern infrastructure.
In this sense, Congresswoman Ursula Letona stated: “The next step is to make the most of this beautiful space. This facility has to transcend time and must be cared for and monitored so that it remains in the same conditions after some time,” she said. Meanwhile, congressman Carlos Domínguez considered that this sports center will leave a great legacy for Peruvian sports.
“This venue will be managed by IPD after the Games, so we are going to suggest developing an intense calendar to the sports work group in Congress so as not to waste such a significant infrastructure project,” he said.
The mayor of Villa María del Triunfo, Eloy Chávez Hernández, was also present during the tour and he also committed to provide all his support for the success of the Games. “We have a great responsibility as a venue district of Lima 2019. We have already coordinated with the Ministry of Housing and provided assistance so that certain road works around the sports center can begin; we will help out in every way. We’re acquiring new pickup trucks for security patrols, compactors for public cleaning, and even talking to the “mototaxi” drivers because we know that the entire continent will have their eyes on VMT,” said the mayor.
During the visit, the members of Parliament were accompanied by Karin Sierralta, Games spokesperson, and representatives of sports federations that will compete in this modern sports center, such as baseball, softball, rugby, field hockey, Basque pelota, fronton, water polo, archery, as well as Paralympic disciplines such as football 7-a-side and football 5-a-side.