Lima awarded 2019 Pan American and Parapan Games
Peru’s capital city Lima was today awarded the 2019 Pan American and Parapan Games after winning in the first round of voting.
Lima won the right to host the Games for the first time after finishing ahead of Chilean capital Santiago, La Punta in Argentina and Ciudad Bolivar in Venezuela.
Lima justified its position as favorites by polling 31 of the 57 votes available under the Pan American Sports Organization’s (PASO) convoluted electoral system at its 51st General Assembly.
That gave them the majority of 29 they required in the first round as Santiago and La Punta got nine each and Ciudad Bolivar eight.
Peruvian supporters erupted when PASO President Mario Vázquez Raña read out that they had won while at home, where the announcement was broadcast live on national television, it sparked much celebration.
Lima’s presentation was very professional and the passion displayed by José Quiñones, President of the Peruvian National Olympic Committee, earned them a standing ovation from half the delegates in the hall.
The Games are due to take place between July 26 until August 11 in 2019 and will feature 10,000 athletes competing in 36 sports.
Lima’s plan is centered on a two cluster concept, which Peruvian officials claim will both be within a 30 minute radius of the Pan American Village.
The centerpiece of the Games will be at the Miguel Grau Stadium, which is due to undergo a major renovation to become a 70,000 capacity arena which will host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as the athletics.
Source: insidethegames