Metro and Santiago 2023 organized a historical wheelchair tennis match

Fernando González (former 5th place in the ATP ranking) and Alejandro Tabilo (Number 2 in Chilean tennis) participated along Para athletes in a never-before seen match at the Estadio Nacional Metro Station, with two years to go for the Parapan American Games. The icons captured the attention of the subway users, promoting the largest multisport event in the Americas, to be held for the first time in Chile.

In regards to the Disability and Para sports week, on the occasion of the two years to go celebration for the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, Metro de Santiago and the Corporation performed a sports activity with an eye-catching wheelchair tennis match that had the participation of the tennis hero Fernando González, board member in the Organizing Committee of the Games, Alejandro Tabilo, Number 2 in Chilean tennis, and Para athletes from several disciplines.

The activity brough excitement to the metropolitan transport passengers, including the official mascot for the event, Fiu the seven-coloured bird, and they were able to enjoy the exhibition match between both tennis players that left their mark in their corresponding modes.

It was the Subsecretary of Sports, Andrés Otero, who detailed the importance of the showcase. “We are happy because Santiago 2023 will be a multisport, multicultural event, and we give thanks to Metro for their good will in participating; also to the Mayor of Ñuñoa for opening the doors of this district where 80% of the sports competitions in Santiago 2023 will be held. We are two years away from the Parapan American Games, and with the Pan American in a little less time, the truth is that we need the whole country to jump into the Games.  And in that sense, we are ecstatic and willing to deliver everything we have worked so far in the last two years to the next administration, so they can continue pushing forward with the work towards the Games”, he stated.

On his part, the Metro president of the board, Louis de Grange, addressed the commitment that the transport service will have during the competition days. “Metro is much more than transport; it is also a place of gathering and a committed organization with helping out to build a more inclusive city for everyone. This is the reason we’re very proud to be able to participate in this activity along out Paralympic tennis players, and in this way, contribute to the acknowledgement of the next Santiago 2023 Pan American and Parapan American Games within our passengers. Metro is a part of the city, and Line 6 in particular will have an important role in an event with such relevance as this one: Estadio Nacional station is right next to the main Sports Coliseum, and Cerrillos station is going to be of utmost importance to connect the Pan American Village.  We hope to contribute and facilitate the execution with this connection to make the Santiago 2023 experience a sports party within everyone’s reach”, he stated.

One of the stars of the activity was the former tennis player and Olympic hero, Fernando González. The Board Member of the Santiago 2023 Corporation stated that after the match he was “very happy to be here. I thank the subsecretary, Metro President, the Mayor Emilia Ríos, Felipe De Pablo of course. To my colleague “Ale” Tabilo for making this possible.  It is truly an extremely important event, it is without a doubt the most important sport event we have had in our country. Inclusion is also very important, with two years to go for the Parapan American Games”.

On his part, the CEO of the organization, Felipe De Pablo, highlighted the infrastructure that Chilean adapted sports will inherit.  “As important as it is to execute a high level Games in all areas, is the legacy that will be left for the community and thus, the construction of the Paralympic Training Centre in the National Stadium Park is one of the landmarks of out corporation, that is progressing step by step to hold this massive sports event, the largest one our country has held in its history”, he highlighted.

NEARLY TWO THOUSAND ATHLETES

The Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games will be held in 730 days in the national capital city, and will gather over 1.900 athletes coming from 33 countries in the Americas, who will compete in 17 sports, in the seventh version of the event since its beginning in Mexico City, in 1999.

The Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games will be held between November 17th through the 26th in the same year, weeks after the XIX Pan American Games, programmed from October 20th to November 5th.

For more information, go to www.santiago2023.org and check out our social media networkd @santiago2023oficial on Instagram; @santiago2023 on Twitter, and Santiago 2023 on Facebook.

Pictures: Sergio Maureira/Santiago 2023 Communications.

Press contact:  Felipe Passi (+569 91278738),  Eduardo Urtubia (+569 95339167), Rodrigo Valenzuela (Metro de Santiago, +569 57190356).

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