Feelings of pride, joy and excitement will take over the opening of Santiago 2023

Almost 2.000 Para athletes will show their pride, joy and excitement this 17 November, during the Opening Ceremony of the seventh edition of the Parapan American Games of Santiago 2023.  

“It is always an incredible feeling, with too much happiness and emotions coming out. Even adrenaline, because it is the direct signal that there is almost no time left before we compete”, said experienced Mexican Para swimmer, Gustavo Sánchez.

“These ceremonies are really important for us, because they fill you up with energy and with the satisfaction that you are representing your country, that you are representing your people and all those other athletes that could not get to this point”, added the 29-year old.  

As a major component for his country’s delegation, the S4 two-time gold medallist from London 2012 and nine-time Parapan American champion will parade his flag and colours in the Estadio Nacional of Chile, alongside Para athletes from other 30 participating nations from all over the Americas.  

“I am going to enjoy this moment. It is my first time in the Parapan American Games and I want to enjoy it to the fullest. I am really happy and thankful of being here, Santiago has been nice to us, it is a pretty city. It has motivated me to perform to the best of my abilities. I want to fight for a medal now”, said Para powerlifter Pablo Ramírez, from Cuba.

Guatemalan Andres de León will even have the special honour of being the flag bearer for his country.

“I already know I am going to be extremely happy. This is my first time in an event of this magnitude and it is really emotional just to be here. And, on top of that, now I am flag bearer”, said the shot put athlete.

“When they told me that I would carry the flag for my country, I was very surprised, but then I was overwhelmed with excitement. Carrying the flag and representing all Guatemalans makes me really proud”, added the 20 year-old.

Big time opportunity

After weeks, months and years of hard work, all these competitors will have the opportunity to headline in a major sporting event, which will display their talents in 18 disciplines.

“I have been training my whole life for a moment like this. It is a huge opportunity, I am very proud. I know that I will feel a lot of pride when I am up there walking for my country. This is what is all about, representing our country at the highest level”, said Canadian Diego Gilbert, from 7-a-side-football.

Some of those 2,000 athletes will strive to improve their times and marks, others will fight to climb to the podium and others will add even more ambitious objectives, like getting their qualification to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Through Santiago 2023, NPCs can obtain direct qualification slots in sports such as blind football, goalball, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby. Meanwhile, in other such as Para athletics, Para swimming and Para powerlifting, the athletes can achieve ranking points or performance that count towards qualification.

“I come here to improve my times and put me in a better position in the world rankings.  I am fourth in the world in my class and number two in America right now,  fighting with a teammate from Mexico (…) But the most important thing is that we want to see ourselves in Paris, so for us this is really important”, said Sánchez.  

The Opening Ceremony will have the performances from famous local artists and the expectations of a packed house in the Estadio Nacional, located in the Chilean capital of Santiago. It will mark the start of a ten-day journey, which will close on 26 November.