For three days this week, Paraguay's capital was the epicentre of the Chefs de Mission Seminar, where representatives from 41 countries including Bermuda assessed progress on infrastructure, logistics and key operations for the Junior Pan American Games in August.
The meeting marked another stepping stone in preparations for the event, which will take place from August 9th - 23rd, and was attended by Pan American Sports President Neven Ilic, Paraguayan Olympic Committee President Camilo Pérez López Moreira and Asu2025 Deputy Director, former tennis player Larissa Schaerer, among others.
Delegates from each National Olympic Committee including David Thomas from Bermuda closely followed every aspect of the organization's progress, carefully evaluating the developments and highlighting Asunción's commitment to delivering a Junior Pan American Games that organizers say will be unforgettable.
"Asunción is doing an excellent job. We are going to have a fantastic Games this year," said Ilic. "We believe that these Junior Pan American Games will be even more successful than those in Cali," added the Chilean, who has been at the helm of Panam Sports since 2017.
During the meetings, the organizing committee presented the status of sports infrastructure, accommodation and transport services, as well as operational measures to ensure the success of the event.
Among the confirmed venues are the Olympic Park, which will host 21 disciplines and serve as the sporting hub of the event, the SND Complex, Asunción Bay and La Nueva Olla Stadium, which has a capacity of 45,000 spectators and will host the Opening Ceremony on August 9th.
In addition to the Olympic Park, the venues include the SND Complex, Encarnación, San Bernardino, the Rakiura Resort, the Bay of Asunción and the Riverside Promenade, providing a variety of settings for the different competitions.
Camilo Pérez stressed the importance of the seminar as a key stage in the planning process: "During these three days, we will have plenary sessions, visits to the venues and a comprehensive analysis of all the important aspects related to the Games."
Meanwhile, Schaerer welcomed the delegates: "A chefs de mission seminar is an opportunity to bring together all those responsible for the delegations. We hope that you will enjoy Asunción and that, in addition to the work, you will have fun and experience our warm hospitality".
The Junior Pan American Games should serve as an important prelude to the senior event, Lima 2027, offering 216 qualifying spots - 200 in individual sports and 16 in team sports such as rugby sevens, hockey, handball and volleyball.
The sports programme will feature 28 sports and 43 disciplines for athletes aged 12-22, with several new additions to Cali 2021: field hockey, golf, rugby and water skiing/wakeboarding will make their debut, alongside BMX freestyle and 5v5 basketball.
With the countdown underway, the atmosphere in Asunción is beginning to change. The city is preparing to welcome the flame of the Junior Pan American Games and make its mark on the continent's sporting history.
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