(ATR) Government support remains for the Pan American Games in Peru despite another change in the country’s ministerial oversight of the Lima 2019 project.
According to PASO and Lima 2019 leaders, the resignation of Peru Vice President Martin Vizcarra as transportation and communications minister will have no effect on preparations for the upcoming Pan Ams. Vizcarra was chosen to oversee preparations for the Pan Ams in December 2016.
"We don’t know who will be replacing him but we are confident that this will not affect the organization of the Games as Carlos Neuhaus, the CEO for the Games has the full support of President Kuczynski," PASO secretary general Ivar Sisniega tells Around the Rings.
A spokesperson for Lima 2019 reiterated the support of President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski.
"We respect [Vizcarra’s] decision but are disappointed to see him go after the support he has given us," Lima 2019 tells ATR. "The Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games are a commitment that the country has made and for that reason we will continue to move forward with the total support of President Kuczynski and his government."
Vizcarra is the second minister in charge of Lima 2019 oversight in the past six months to be removed from his post. Education minister Jaime Saavedra was sacked in December 2016 due to his lack of support for the Pan Am Games according to Peru Olympic Committee president Jose Quinones.
It is not clear yet whether Vizcarra’s replacement will be chosen to oversee the Pan Am project. Despite the political setback, Lima 2019 says preparations are progressing on schedule.
"The Lima 2019 Organizing Committee is making great progress in its preparations for the Games," a spokesperson tells ATR. "For the last month now we have been working closely with our partners from the UK and we are confident that with our experiences of working in country and their excellent track record in hosting major sporting events, we have the right formula to deliver a Games in 2019 that Peru and the entire region can be proud of."
Sisniega says PASO will closely monitor construction progress with a little more than two years from the opening ceremony on July 26, 2019.
Written by Kevin Nutley
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