Santiago 2023: First Coordination Commission visit

As the best Parapan American Games ever concluded in Lima, Peru, all eyes turned to Santiago, where the next edition of the continental event will take place in 2023.

In order to kick off preparations for the seventh edition of the Parapan, a delegation from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Americas Paralympic Committee (APC) travelled to the Chilean capital city to meet with the Santiago 2023 Organising Committee.

Representatives from the Chilean Ministry of Sports, the Paralympic Committee of Chile and the National Service of Disability (Senadis) also participated.

Various topics were discussed over the two days of meetings at the Icon Hotel such as the vision for the Parapan American Games, learnings from Lima 2019, relationships with National Paralympic Committees, security and accessibility, sports and legacy.

Both the IPC/APC and Santiago 2023 left with a greater understanding of what needs to be done to make this Games a major success.

In his opening speech, IPC Project Lead for the Parapan American Games Juergen Padberg said: “We are here to offer our advice and experience, but also to learn about your aspirations, plans and concerns. 

"We all have the same goal: to create the best conditions for the athletes of the Americas to come here in 2023 and to thrill the audience with unforgettable performances. I am convinced that we will achieve it".

Santiago 2023 CEO Felipe de Pablo also shared a few words on behalf of Chile’s Ministry of Sports Cecilia Perez: “Our heart, work plan, constructions and priorities consider Santiago 2023 to be a historic sports festival, with a vision and a great social stamp.” 

After the meetings, they made a visit to the National Stadium Sporting Park, which is expected to become the main sporting centre of the Parapan American Games.