Lima 2019: One year to go

Para sport exhibitions took place at the Sports Complex VIDENA in Lima, Peru, to celebrate one year to go until the biggest Parapan American Games in history.

The national teams for football-5-a-side, goalball, sitting volleyball, taekwondo and wheelchair basketball showcased their sports at the event organised by the Lima 2019 Organising Committee and the Paralympic National Association of Peru (ANPP).

Lima 2019 President Carlos Neuhaus, ANPP President Lucha Villar, Para athletes Efrain Sotacuro, Pilar Jauregui, Dunia Felices and Pedro Pablo de Vinatea, football legend Percy Rojas and Peruvian Olympic Committee (POC) President Pedro del Rosario were in attendance.

Americas Paralympic Committee President Julie Dussliere said: “Time is flying, and it is amazing that we are only one year away from the biggest Parapan American Games in history.

“The Lima 2019 Organising Committee has been working extremely hard, and I am confident they will deliver an outstanding event, the first of its kind to be held in Peru. I can already see how excited and passionate everyone working with the organisation is.”

“This will be a huge opportunity for all people living with an impairment in Peru. This will be the first time many people will be able to witness first-hand the exceptional abilities of Para athletes. Lima 2019 has the potential to transform Peruvian society.”

Carlos Neuhaus added: “These are Peru’s Games. I ask athletes to give it all for the country because we are working to give them the best conditions to compete.”

ANPP President Lucha Villar said: “Para sports are a right. The Parapan American Games will help change perceptions in the country. Lima 2019 is an inspiration for us all and highlights the courage of Para athletes.”

Lima 2019 will take place between 23 August and 1 September and will feature over 1,800 athletes competing across 17 sports.