A delegation from the International Paralympic Committee began a week of meetings with the directors and managers of Santiago 2023, in order to review the progress of the organization of the VII Parapan American Games, scheduled from November 17 to 26 next year in the country.

The gathering started this Monday in the Chilean capital, and was headed by the Minister of Sports, Alexandra Benado; the presidential delegate of the Metropolitan Region, Constanza Martinez; Jürgen Padberg, IPC Project Manager; and Julio Cesar Avila, president of the Americas Paralympic Committee.

"The most important thing is to understand that the Santiago 2023 Games are State Games, in that sense, we have the commitment today as a government, through President Gabriel Boric, to advance in the activities , in effectively generating that all the venues are associated with some sporting activity”, said the Minister, who is also the president of the organizing committee.

While the presidential delegate of the Metropolitan Region, Constanza Martínez, promised to coordinate services such as transportation and security. “We believe that this is a great opportunity for the region and for this delegation to get to know this beautiful city of Santiago. We are totally committed to making these games the best way possible"; she stated.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SANTIAGO 2023 HIGHLIGHTED THE VISIT BY IPC AND APC

The executive director of Santiago 2023, Gianna Cunazza, valued the presence of the representatives of the Paralympic organizations. "They are people with a lot of experience in organizing Paralympic events. Therefore, we are very open to reviewing all the progress we have been making, listening to their comments, improving and being able to have great Parapan American Games", she said.

The project manager of the International Paralympic Committee, Jürgen Padberg, focused on the work done in raising awareness about the opportunities that people with impairment have. "There is a lot of participation from the communities for these Games, from the local communities within Santiago and from all over the country, the Olympic sportsmanship and the Paralympic Games are the way forward", he explained.

Meanwhile, the head of the APC, Julio César Avila, valued the work carried out by the organizing committee so far. "The start time is approaching and you can feel the Games in the atmosphere. Although there are many things still to be finished, the work that is being done is very important", he commented.

The VII Parapan American Games Santiago 2023 will gather nearly 2,000 para athletes who will compete in 17 sports and 18 disciplines.