Athletics, swimming and table tennis fans will be able to see in action the best athletes of the Americas tomorrow, on Tuesday, August 6, in the Lima 2019 Pan American Games competitions to be held in the National Sports Village (VIDENA), in the district of San Luis.

The organization exhorts people to arrive an hour before the start of competitions to comfortably locate their seats.

The events will start with table tennis at the Sports Center 3, from 10:00 to 13:00. They will resume at 15:00 and end at 21:00. Spectators are advised to arrive by 09:00 and enter through gate N° 2 located at Av. Del Aire s/n.  

Meanwhile, swimming competitions will be held at the Aquatic Center from 11:00 to 14:15, and from 20:30 to 22:45. Spectators are advised to arrive by 10:00 and enter through gate N° 2 located at Av. Del Aire s/n.  

Athletics events will be held at the ATHLETICS STADIUM, from 14:00 to 20:00. Spectators should arrive by 13:00 and enter through gate N° 10 located at Av. Canadá s/n. However, if you wish to arrive earlier, the gate will be open from 12:30.

Recommendations

The Lima 2019 Organizing Committee gives the following recommendations for spectators:

• Arrive one hour before the time of the event.
• Infants and children must show their tickets.
• All spectators (including minors) must show their ID or similar documents.
• Do not bring your own vehicle (use public transportation).
• Do not bring pets.
• Do not bring bicycles or scooters.
• Do not bring plastic or glass bottles.
• Only packaged food with sanitary registration is allowed.

Athletics Legend

The legendary American athlete Carl Lewis, nine-times athletics Olympic champion, eight-times world champion and gold medalist at the Indianapolis 1987 Pan American Games, will attend the athletics events and will award medals for the 100 m and long jump events. He is a special Panam Sports guest.

Legendary American athlete Carl Lewis, nine-time Olympic champion, eight-time world champion and gold medalist at the Indianapolis 1987 Pan American Games, will come to Lima to watch the Games. As a special guest of Panam Sports, he will arrive in Lima on August 4 and will be in charge of awarding medals for the 100 meters and men’s long jump. 

According to a press release by Panam Sports, the athlete accepted the invitation made by its President, Neven Ilic. 

“We’re glad that Carl Lewis will come to see the Pan American Games. Without a doubt, he’ll be our Guest of Honor. He will take part in the medal ceremonies for the 100 meters and high jump, which were the events that led him to fame throughout his career. The fact that he’s interested in coming evidences the appeal and importance of these Games across the continent,” stated Ilic. 
 
Carl Lewis will stay in Lima until Saturday, August 10. In his six-day trip, the American athlete will have the chance to learn about the city attractions and enjoy the world-class level of the athletics competitions at VIDENA.

Lima 2019 took part in the tribute to UPC athletes who will participate in the Pan American and Parapan American Games.

Carlos Neuhaus, Lima 2019 Organizing Committee President, attended a tribute to athletes from the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (UPC) who will compete at the Pan American and Parapan American Games. The event took place on the university premises.

Among the attendees were Edward Roekaert, President of UPC; Sebastian Suito, President of the Peruvian Institute of Sports; Jaime Reusche, Main Advisor of Lima 2019; Juan Antonio Silva, Lima 2019 Communications, Commercial and Marketing Manager; and Jenny Martínez, Peruvian delegation Chef de Mission.

Carlos Neuhaus highlighted the athletes’ hard work as they prepare to compete for Peru. “We are happy to have met our goals with the support of the Government. It gave us an event greater responsibility to host the Games efficiently. We are organizing an event within the set budget. This hadn't happened for a long time. Now, It’s time to hand over the baton to the athletes so that they will pick up lots of medals. Lima 2019 will be a turning point for sports and other areas,” he stated.

“We are ready and prepared to be the best hosts in the Americas. We hope the athletes will make themselves at home. We're also ready to welcome our Peruvian athletes at the Village in the coming days. They will have the chance to meet the best athletes in the Americas and the world. We want them to become the new national heroes,” Neuhaus added.

Sixty athletes who study at UPC participated in the tribute, including Hugo del Castillo in taekwondo, Vania Torres in surf, Kimberly Cardoza and José Luis Mandros in athletics, Aleska Burga in archery, and Jesús Salva in Para badminton. They received the Peruvian flag that they will defend at the Games.

ABOUT LIMA 2019

The Opening Ceremony of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games will be held at the National Stadium on July 26. This continental event will gather 6680 athletes from 41 countries and delegations from the Americas.

There will be 17 days of competitions and ceremonies between July 26 and August 11, which will take place in 14 districts of Lima and Callao at various venues like VIDENA, Villa María Sports Center, Callao Regional Village, Villa El Salvador Sports Center, Punta Rocas, among others.

The Lima 2019 Pan American Games will include 39 sports and 61 disciplines, in which athletes will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals. A total of 21 disciplines are qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Like other South American athletes, the story of the Olympic champion Thiago Braz is full of sacrifice to reach the top of the world ranking. The athlete, born in Sao Paulo, never gave up and finally broke the pole vault Olympic record in Rio 2016 (6.03 meters) However, he is still looking to make his legend even bigger.

Three years after making that incredible athletics feat, Braz wants to keep jumping and prove his worth, like when he was fourteen and his goal was to represent his country and reach the top of the podium, although he did not have the money to do it.

“It was hard to reach the ideal level to compete against professional athletes from different countries. My first earning was when I was 16, and even if I had the talent and I broke some records, I needed the support of many people to keep competing. It was worth it to persist.”, said the athlete to Lima 2019.

The Brazilian will go for the gold in Lima 2019 Pan American Games. The athletics Stadium of VIDENA will witness the best athletes performances. He will also be competing for the chance of a historic two-times championship by qualifying to Tokyo 2020.

“I can exceed my limits, so I won't give up and I will push myself further. It’s not only about performing well in one competition but in all of them. That’s why I have lots of expectations for the Pan American Games. It's a stage I could test at the South American championship in May," he said.

As a matter of fact, the last weekend Thiago jumped over 5.92 meters at the Monaco Diamond League in France. Although he tried to surpass the 6.02 meters mark, he will still try to break that record this August 10 in Lima. Go watch this and other competitions, buy your tickets at www.lima2019.pe/tickets or at the ten authorized Teleticket points of sale around the city.

ATHLETICS AT LIMA 2019

All track and field events are schedule from August 6 to August 10 at VIDENA Athletics Stadium. This discipline is one of the 21 qualifier disciplines to Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. A total of 740 of the best athletes from Americas will be divided into 20 competitions for women and men, while the men’s decathlon competition and women’s heptathlon will be disputed in combined events.

Moreover, on August 4, the 20 km race walking event will take place, whereas the 50 km race will occur on August 11. On July 27 the marathon will start and finish at at Parque Kennedy, Miraflores.

The United States, one of the great powers of world athletics, confirmed its official list for Lima 2019 and included one of the most brilliant sprinters in history. The Athens 2004 100-meter Olympic champion will compete in the 4x100 m relay to challenge Brazil, current world champion. So, it will definitely be quite a show at the Athletics Stadium in VIDENA.

Gatlin is the fifth fastest man in history, only behind other legends like Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake and Asafa Powell, and his fellow countryman Tyson Gay. Additionally, he is the current 100-meter world champion at the World Championships London 2017 and two-time winner of the 4x100 m relay at the 2015 and 2017 World Championships.

The US team also includes Cravon Gillespie (placed fourth in the 100-meter world ranking). Michael Rodgers (placed twelfth in the 100-meter world ranking) and Donovan Brazier (recent 800-meter winner at the Diamond League in Rome) will also compete at Lima 2019.

In women’s, Sharika Nelvis (100-meter hurdles winner at the Diamond League), Cassandra Tate (400-meter steeplechase), Kara Winger (javelin runner-up at Toronto 2015 Pan American Games) stand out.

OLYMPIC-LEVEL TRACK

A red level-1 nine-lane athletics track was installed for the Pan American and Parapan American Games competitions. The quality standards are similar to those used in the London 2012 Olympic Games and will also be used in Paris 2020. Natural grass has been laid in the center to carry out the javelin, discus and hammer throw events.

The athletics track has been certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), having undergone laboratory and delimitation tests. The venue may now host first-class competitions such as the IAAF World U20 Championship in 2022, an event Peru will bid for.

ATHLETICS AT LIMA 2019

Track and field athletics at the Pan American Games is scheduled to take place from August 6 to 10 at the Athletics Stadium in VIDENA. The race walk event will take place on August 4 and 11 and marathon will take place on an outdoor course on July 27, that will start at Parque Kennedy in Miraflores.

A total of 740 of the best athletes from the Americas will be divided into 24 competitions for women and men. There will be 20 finals in track and field per gender, while there will be three road events (marathon, and 20- and 50-km race walk), as well as decathlon for men and heptathlon for women.

Sodexo Peru is the official food services provider for the more than 10 thousand athletes competing in the Lima 2019 Games. They will be located in the Pan American and Parapan American Village, as well as at the Peruvian Naval Academy Village. They will serve, in total, over 800 thousand food rations during the Games.

The level of service for athlete meals aims to provide safe food with the highest standards of quality and health, thus ensuring an efficient operation.

Additionally, companies Aramburú and Gate Gourmet will be in charge of food services at the satellite villages and the competition and training venues, respectively. Sodexo will serve 373,322 food rations in the Pan American and Parapan American Village. While Gate Gourmet will serve 378,869 and Aramburú 53,058 (satellite villages) and 14,220 food rations (ceremonies).

To announce it, an agreement was signed and there was an official presentation of the menu and the Peruvian food that will be provided during the most important sports event of the continent. Carlos Neuhaus, president of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee; Alberto Valenzuela, Lima 2019 Operations manager; Juan Antonio Silva, Lima 2019 Communications, Commercial and Marketing manager; Alfonso de los Heros, Sodexo Peru country president; and Edgardo Oliva, Sodexo Corporate Services Segment CEO were present at this event.

“Peru is a gastronomic power and we are going to prove it. However, on behalf of Lima 2019, I must mention the importance of having strategic partners that will support the high expectations we have at all levels of the service we will be providing for the athletes. Lima will not only be the epicenter of sports in America but, with strategic allies like Sodexo, will attract international attention,” assured Valenzuela.

De los Heros reconfirmed Sodexo’s commitment to excellence with the service it will provide during Lima 2019.

“Let there be no doubt that we will do our best for the country at these Games. This is a historic and extraordinary event that must unite Peruvians. It will truly show the best of all of us and all we can offer in terms of gastronomy and service. We are going to make Peru proud.”

Furthermore, Oliva provided some impressive data regarding the massive dimensions and logistical challenge of such an event. For example, the kitchen and dining hall of the Pan American and Parapan American Village will be the size of a football stadium and a half.

“We will reach peaks of 24 thousand food rations a day. Logistically, it’s quite a challenge. Some fun facts: the amount of mozzarella cheese that will be used will equal the size and weight of four Volkswagen beetles. Furthermore, the amount of spaghetti could cover the distance between Lima and Machu Picchu, there and back. The weight of all the rice we will use will be equal to the weight of the 200 workers who will be in the kitchen. And, if we consider that a hen lays one egg a day, we would need 1264 years for all the eggs that will be used during those 55 days.”

Sodexo is internationally recognized as the leading company in providing high-quality services for major sports events, such as the Dakar Rally, Tour de France, Roland Garros, etc. This company was also in charge of providing food and beverage services at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, as well as the London 2012 Olympics.

They will provide the following services for Lima 2019: food, beverages and ice. Food service will be for athletes and officials, as well as Games Family, judges, referees, workforce, volunteers, and local and international press.

In total, Sodexo will serve more than 6212 athletes and officials, as well as 1875 volunteers during the Lima 2019 Pan American Games. During the Parapan American Games, it will serve 2954 athletes. For this reason, the company will allocate a team of 300 highly trained professionals who will offer the highest quality full-time service.

Typical Dishes

Sodexo will offer an international menu, but it will focus on promoting Peruvian gastronomy. To do so, it will work for hand in hand with local suppliers and the outstanding chef Aldo Cardini, recognized Peruvian food specialist.

During the Games, the menu items will be displayed daily in a visible place. The dining hall will have six different schedules every day. Some of the typical dishes offered will be papa rellena, ceviche, tamales, lomo saltado, ají de gallina, arroz con leche, mazamorra, etc.

There will be a food option called “Lima, a fusion of flavors and emotions” comprising four different stations: “Lima Culinary Tour” (typical Peruvian dishes), “Pizza and Pasta Street” (pasta and pizza), “Downtown Grill” (typical American food) and “Inka Bio Market” (variety of fruits and vegetables).

Food Safety and Health

Since we will be welcoming top-level athletes, our mission is to serve safe food, with the highest standards of quality and health to ensure their best professional performance.

For this reason, alcohol, coca tea, maca, or any other natural energizing food will not be used in meal preparations. Infusions will be provided in sealed packages to avoid any manipulation or intentional contamination. Sodexo is also analyzing the quality of the beef that they will use to prepare meals, to verify its anabolic steroid content.

The aim is to identify, mitigate and monitor potential sources of intentional food contamination. There will be food safety contingency plans and a procedure for responding to suspected foodborne illness.

Meanwhile, we will try to reduce the negative impact on the environment by using more than three million biodegradable and compostable paper pulp items.

About Lima 2019

The opening ceremony of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games will be held at the National Stadium on July 26, 2019. This continental event will gather 6680 athletes from 41 countries and delegations from the Americas.

There will be 17 days of competitions and ceremonies, between July 26 and August 11, 2019, which will take place in 14 districts of Lima and Callao at various venues like VIDENA, Villa María Sports Center, Callao Regional Village, Villa El Salvador Sports Center, Punta Rocas, among others.

The Lima 2019 Pan American Games will include 39 sports and 61 disciplines, in which athletes will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals. A total of 22 disciplines are qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The Parapan American Games will gather 1890 Para athletes from 33 countries, participating in 17 sports and 18 disciplines. Competitions will take place from August 23 to September 1, 2019. Thirteen sports will be qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

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