THE PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES CHEFS DE MISSION SEMINAR HAS STARTED

The Lima 2019 Parapan American Games Chefs de Mission Seminar brought together, for the first time, a large number of leaders and officials who will head the delegations of the 33 countries that will participate in this competition.

At the head table of the opening session were Carlos Neuhaus, executive president of Lima 2019; Julie Dussliere, president of the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC); and Lucha Villar, president of the National Paralympic Association of Peru. They welcomed all the attendees prior to the presentations by the different functional areas of the Organizing Committee on the progress achieved.

“It’s a pleasure to have you all here,” began Neuhaus. “First of all, we want our athletes to compete in the best conditions and have all the amenities they may need at their accommodation, transportation and meals. The other purpose of Lima 2019 lies in helping our society appreciate people who have mobility issues so the citizens become aware that the city must be user-friendly for everyone. 

On her part, Julie Dusslieres encouraged the chefs de mission to enjoy the city and interact as much as they can with their Lima 2019 peers.

“We have to make sure we work as a team so that the Parapan American Games are the best ones possible. These Games will be a lasting legacy for Lima. As you can see, construction is quite advanced. I think you will be satisfied with the progress made,” she assured.

Lucha Villar also stressed the importance of teamwork, highlighting as well, the new approach the Parapan American Games will represent for the culture of accessibility and inclusion in Peru.

“I have to confess that being here before you is more exciting than being on the start line of a swimming competition, which has been my lifelong sport,” she stated. “In this meeting we begin to experience what the Parapan American Games will be; how it will mark a breaking point in the recent and growing history of the Parapan American movement in our country. We are proud that people with impairment see in sports a great opportunity to excel,” she expressed.

Venue Tours

During the afternoon, the international officials will have the opportunity to see, first-hand, the construction underway at the Villa El Salvador Sports Center, the Pan American and Parapan American Village and the Villa Maria del Triunfo Sports Center.