Lima and Peru are only 13 days away from becoming the protagonists of the continent’s largest multi-sport event. This time, it is Peru’s turn to organize this event, which takes place every four years. During these Games, starting with the Pan American Games, 12,000 people will become key elements. They are the volunteers of an event that will put the spotlight on Peru.
The volunteers lived their swearing-in ceremony with enthusiasm and joy. Over a thousand of them arrived very early and properly uniformed at the National Theater. The volunteers, with their hands on their chest, vowed to fulfill their commitment to support the Games with their different duties during Lima 2019.
Four people looked really happy to accept this great responsibility. Among them, Nelyth Bocanegra, who did not hesitate to take up the challenge and be one of the senior people that decided to volunteer. She will be one of the volunteers guiding the spectators that arrive at the VIDENA, the main competition venue during the Games. “It’s very exciting to be a volunteer. I didn’t doubt to sign up. We’re happy now because the Games are getting closer,” she said.
Esther López will work near Nelyth at the VIDENA, performing the same tasks in the different stages of this venue. She is a pensioner who worked at the Social Security and did not hesitate to join the volunteers. “I’m a housewife now, but I wanted to help in the Games. I’ve always been involved in solidarity work. That’s why I’m here to be part of Lima 2019. We’re happy to live this experience,” she added.
Another person who could not stop smiling was Mr. José Capcha Castillo, who decided to become a volunteer shortly before turning 70. Mr. Capcha will support the Spectator Services Department and he is looking forward to the Games. “We’ve already received training, and we’re ready to help so that everything goes well.” Now that I’m turning 70, it’s very exciting to be part of the volunteer team,” he said.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Ana Lucía Heredia was among the young people who will participate with their parents’ permission. She will live this experience in the Villa María del Triunfo venue, where most of team sport events will take place. “I had my parents’ support to become a volunteer. The swearing-in ceremony was incredible, and I'm glad to join the volunteer team. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience,” she stated. Along with this group of volunteers, more than a thousand people were sworn in to become the heart and soul of the Pan American and Parapan American Games. Many of them are already helping in different tasks, and the others will join the organization in the coming days.