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Representing the 19,000 volunteers that will be part of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games, more than 1000 participated today in an emotional swearing-in ceremony. They committed to fulfilling their tasks responsibly to make this multi-sport event a first-class event and a big celebration for all Peruvians.
At the National Theater, the volunteers pledged their full support to this multi-sport event that will put a spotlight on Peru. The Head of the Cabinet of Ministers Salvador del Solar, the Minister of Transport and Communications María Jara Risco, Lima Mayor Jorge Muñoz, the President of the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games Organizing Committee (COPAL) Carlos Neuhaus, the Lima 2019 Secretary General Amalia Moreno and the Peruvian Sports Institute President Sebastián Suito also attended.
Prime Minister Del Solar said he was excited to be part of the meeting where hundreds of young and senior citizens were happy to become volunteers. "I'm excited and impressed to see so many volunteers, whose only desire is to support the largest event ever held in this country. I still remember, during El Niño phenomenon, we're not sure if it was appropriate to continue with the Games, but the President of Peru said that we'd to keep our word and meet the commitment. And the team led by Carlos Neuhaus proved that everything is possible. Our first challenge was the infrastructure, which is now ready. The other one is the legacy, which will transform lives through sport. We're going to be part of the Games with all facilities delivered on time and with a lower budget,” the Prime Minister said.
The swearing-in ceremony was held by Carlos Neuhaus, who was grateful for the effort and time of thousands of Lima 2019 volunteers. “Thank you for being part of this national effort. This task was challenging, but now we're ready for the Lima 2019 Games. The volunteers are the heart and soul of the Games, and we're sure they will do an amazing job and will be a unique life challenge. Lima 2019 is an important challenge for Peru, but as we say here, “Let’s all play,” so now we have the responsibility to make Peru proud. We all work for the Games to hold the best edition possible. We're able to face the storm, and now we're ready,” the President of COPAL stated.
The Lima 2019 Secretary General Amalia Moreno pointed out that more than 28,000 volunteers were trained, but only 19,000 were selected. Twelve thousands of them will be at the Pan American Games and 7000 at the Parapan American Games. "You have the opportunity to make history as the best hosts in the Americas," she said.
LIFE STORIES
Many participants shared their life stories at the swearing-in ceremony. Among them were María Fernanda Reyes, one of the world’s best longboard surfers who will compete at the Pan American Games; the top ten Peruvian Para athlete Jesús Salvá, who will participate in badminton at the Parapan American Games; and Cinthia Fuentes, a computer science engineer from the National University of Engineering, who has participated in various volunteer programs over the past few years.
The importance of the Games volunteers was highlighted at the ceremony. The volunteers are a fundamental part for the success of the Lima 2019 Games through their work in the areas of Press, Sports, Accommodation, Village Services, Arrivals and Departures, Medical, Language, and Committee Services, Ceremonies, Anti-doping Control, and Spectator Services.
Also, the volunteers will work at the 39 competition venues in Lima and other provinces in Transportation, Venue Management and Protocol at the precincts, Uniform, Games Family Services, Medal Ceremonies, Technology, Accreditation, and Workforce.
The 19,000 volunteers from Peru and abroad represent the social legacy that the Pan American and Parapan American Games will leave behind. They may contribute to future campaigns, similar events, or initiatives led by the State or the civil society. Additionally, the volunteers will be the ambassadors of the Peruvian culture and traditions, and the link between the sports and any other activity leading to development.
INCLUSIVE TRAINING
For the selection of the 19,000 Lima 2019 volunteers, 28,588 people from 15 different cities were previously trained: Lima Metropolitan area, Huacho, Cañete, Callao, Chiclayo, Trujillo, Cajamarca, Huancayo, Tacna, Arequipa, Cusco, Tarapoto, Ica, Paracas, and Pisco. Citizens from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, etc. also underwent training.
The Lima 2019 Training Program has also been inclusive in terms of age and sex of the participants. Sixty percent were women aged 18-24 (58 %), minors (8 %), and people older than 50 years old (4 %). In addition to this, 267 people with impairment were also trained.
The Lima 2019 Volunteer Program works with 45 public and private institutions nationwide to promote and spread this program.
UN SUPPORT
Since mid-2018, the Volunteer Program, with the support of the United Nations (UN), launched the call for the participation of citizens from Lima, Peru, and abroad.
The fundamental basis of the Lima 2019 Volunteer Program is the principles (hospitality, teamwork, and engagement), as well as the Olympic and Paralympic values (friendship, respect, excellence, equality, inspiration, determination, and courage).
