With joy, celebration, and the exhibitions of the athletes who will participate in the Lima 2019 Pan American Games and Parapan American Games, the “Soy Lima 2019” campaign came to a close on Friday at Fe y Alegría No. 24 school, located in Villa María del Triunfo.
From April 29 to July 9, more than 31,000 pre-school, primary and secondary students from state schools located in San Luis, La Victoria, Villa María del Triunfo, Chorrillos and Villa El Salvador districts benefited from the campaign, which sought to promote the importance of the Olympic and Paralympic values through the socio-cultural program and the athletes' visits.
Susana Córdova, Physical Education and Sports Director from the Ministry of Education, the school authorities and teachers, along with the athletes who will compete in the Pan American Games, participated in the closing event.
It is important to mention that the campaign was carried out in strategic alliance with the Bureau of Physical Education and Sport. “We taught that we're all part of this effort and, therefore, promoting sport activities at schools is the legacy of Lima 2019,” stated Córdova.
The Peruvian artistic gymnastics team, consisting of Carmen León, Camila Rodríguez, Flavia León, Aitana Orrego and Georgina Vidalón; Peruvian softball team members Daniel José Ramírez Martínez, Diego Riquelme Flores and Kento Maeda; and Basque pelota team Daniel Fernández and Joao Velásquez attended the closing event.
On the other hand, karateka John Trebejo, who also attended the closing event, said that unity, friendship and respect can be achieved through sports. He encouraged the students to fight for their dreams.
In addition, Joao Velásquez, member of the Peruvian Basque pelota team, pointed out that “children are already feeling the passion of the Pan American and Parapan American Games, which is good because many people don’t know how close these events are, therefore, this motivates us for what is coming.”
“Spending this morning with the students has been a unique and amazing experience. I never thought it'd be like this. Sports give us satisfaction and they're a huge opportunity. This is why I tell the children that it's a lifestyle and if you follow the right path, you’ll go far,” said Diego Riquelme, Peruvian softball team member.
It is worth noting that more than 50 athletes from baseball, rugby, hockey, Basque pelota, water polo, handball, sitting volleyball, modern pentathlon, wrestling, karate, artistic gymnastics, and Para badminton participated in the campaign, with the noteworthy attendance of Lima 2019 Ambassadors, Pilar Jáuregui and Thalía Mallqui.
Objective of the Campaign´s Socio-cultural Program
“Soy Lima 2019” shared a life experience with school students so they could understand the athletes’ effort and dedication. Students could see an athlete and a Para athlete in action. The former promoted the Pan American Games values: respect, friendship and excellence, while the latter encouraged the Parapan American Games values: the search for equality, determination, inspiration and courage.
Through the Olympic and Paralympic values and their families' support, students and people in general can achieve their goals and make their dreams come true. But, most of all, they can become better people in every aspect.
The Pan American Games, to be held from July 26 to August 11, will gather over 6680 athletes from 41 countries in 39 disciplines, while the Parapan American Games, to be held from August 23 to September 1, will receive 1980 athletes from 33 countries. They will compete to carve their names on the podium of the Lima 2019 Games.
Tickets for the Lima 2019 Games are still available and can be purchased at www.lima2019.pe/tickets or at any authorized point of sale around the city.