Lima 2019: Preparations on course

“I want to thank Lima 2019 for all the work they have been doing to make this Games successful. We are satisfied to see that they are well on course. These have been productive and fruitful meetings and we could see firsthand the many areas of preparation that are going really well."

The Americas Paralympic Committee (APC) has expressed its satisfaction with the progress made by the Lima 2019 Organising Committee but stressed the need to keep up the working pace in some key areas with almost six months to go until the Parapan American Games.

The APC delegation led by President Julie Dussliere was in Lima from 18-19 February, together with International Paralympic Committee (IPC) representatives, for the eighth and final Co-ordination Commission.

Several meetings took place at the Swissotel in Lima, with the APC receiving an update on the preparations.

Dussliere said: “I want to thank Lima 2019 for all the work they have been doing to make this Games successful. We are satisfied to see that they are well on course. These have been productive and fruitful meetings and we could see firsthand the many areas of preparation that are going really well.

“Lima 2019 has diligently been working on the venues, facilities, accessibility and infrastructure that will be the backbone of these Games and the legacy that will be left long after the Games are over.

“However, they need to keep up the momentum as there is still much work to be done in some key areas such as anti-doping, operational services and protocol over the next six months.”

IPC CEO Xavier Gonzalez added: “Lima 2019 has made substantial progress in some areas and we want to thank them for the hard work.

“Our main concern is that they are yet to finalise a plan for accessible transportation, which is fundamental for the successful delivery of the Games.

“At the same time, the production of an integrated Parapan-specific marketing, ticketing and communications plan is fundamental as Lima 2019 aim to fill the venues during the Games.

“From now until the beginning of the Games, it is very important that the IPC/APC and the Organising Committee continue working closely together.”

Lima 2019 President Carlos Neuhaus added: “We want Peru’s highest authorities to continue being involved such as President Martin Vizcarra, Lima Mayor Jorge Muñoz and public ombudsman Walter Gutierrez. They are very interested in the benefits that accessibility brings.

“We want to raise awareness of what still needs to be done for people with impairment. Overall, we are moving forward towards the Games and the Government is satisfied with that. Work is going well and the VIDENA sports complex will be an example of accessibility.”

The Lima 2019 Parapan American Games will take place between 23 August and 1 September, attracting around 1,890 athletes who will compete in 17 sports.