The South American Festival Begins: Youth Sports Take Over Panama
The competition will take place from April 12 to 25, with the participation of the 2,000 confirmed athletes.
The South American Youth Games were created in this hemisphere out of a need to promote sports among young people under 18 and give them the opportunity to represent their countries while still in school. These games will be “on another level.” In this new context, Panama, which has hosted two Central American and Caribbean Games (1938 and 1970) and the Bolivarian Games (1973), welcomes 2,000 athletes from 15 countries in an atmosphere of sporting camaraderie. All are wished success, medals, and a pleasant stay in the country. According to experts, it will be an event of record-breaking feats in sports such as athletics and swimming. The opening ceremony will be held Sunday April 12 at noon in Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez Stadium.
Panama is a country that lives and breathes sports in its various forms, competing both domestically and internationally with the firm intention of honoring the nation. This year, the delegation of athletes comprises 247 participants, a number that surpasses previous participations in regional events held in Panama. The competition will take place from April 12 to 25, with the participation of the 2,000 confirmed athletes, representing a new attendance record. Delegations from 15 countries are expected, with athletes competing in 22 sports. Government support has been full and the facilities are ready, including the “Luis Tejada” high-performance center.
President José Raúl Mulino Quintero has been closely monitoring the organization and was present when the Olympic flame arrived in Panama, sending a message to athletes and organizers. Panama has participated in the three previous editions and has accumulated 8 gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze medals. They hope to improve this record at home with more athletes and better preparation. For Panama, the gold medal winners have been: Manuel González (2 in swimming), Ángela González (2 in athletics), Arturo Deliser (athletics), Emily Santos (swimming), Isac Dorati (fencing) and María Fernanda Far (swimming).
They have all continued to progress after a great sporting experience. In 1938 the Central American and Caribbean Games were inaugurated at the JDA, and in 1970 and 1973 at the Revolución stadium, now Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez. The games are under the supervision of ODESUR (South American Sports Organization). In Panama, the Olympic Committee, Pandeportes (the Panamanian Sports Institute), and the organizing committee are leading the event, along with technicians, officials, federations, and volunteers. Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Venezuela lead the all-time medal count among the 15 participating countries. Panama, with 30 medals, ranks tenth.
