Media Highlight Lima 2019 Transport Needs

(ATR) Panam Sports president Neven Ilic makes his latest trip to Lima this week to monitor progress toward the 2019 Pan Am Games.

"On the way to Lima 2019, we must continue fine-tuning details. It's a very big party. The infrastructure is ok, but the Games are much more. The complete experience must be extraordinary. Small details are missing, but I have no doubt that with the professionalism of the Organizing Committee, will be achieved," Ilic is quoted on the Lima 2019 website.

While Lima organizers have enjoyed positive attention with activities like the gradual delivery of new venues, the release of an official song and a star for opening ceremony, there are potential trouble spots ahead.

Lima media outlets this week have warned of the need to verify the operational capacity of the Jorge Chávez International Airport. The airport, already a place with long lines at baggage claim and immigration, faces the complexities involving the arrival and departure thousands of athletes as well as team officials and spectators.

Controlling Traffic

Likewise, caution is being raised over traffic, with Lima boulevards and streets clogged on a normal day in the Peruvian capital.

Comptroller General Nelson Shack says he has concern about the pace of the work needed to guarantee smooth transit to the sports venues. These works are mainly carried out by the Ministry of Transport and Communicationsand the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima.

He says that if the completion of the road works is not guaranteed, contingency plans will be needed.

Lima 2019 CEO Carlos Neuhaus has hopes that the roadworks will be finished by the July 26 opening ceremony. He says he knows of no postponements. And he reminds that the Games have served as a catalyst for road works that would still be in the pipeline.

First Impressions: The Airport

The arrival at the airport of the host city is the first impression of the Games. The experience is often among the factors shaping the attitude and reporting of the media from across the hemisphere coming to Lima.

Lima newspaper Gestión has expressed concerns about the need for coordination to guarantee the processes and solve challenges that lie ahead for the air terminal. The paper notes that Parapan American Games in August will include nearly 2,000 athletes with disabilities or special needs.

The arrival of horses from 41 countries is another airport challenge says the report from Gestion.

How many lifts does the airport have? How will baggage control, immigration, customs be handled? Where will the horses arrive?

The newspaper raises plenty of questions.

Alberto Valenzuela, Operations Manager of the Special Project for the 2019 Pan American Games says he sent an official letter to the transport ministry to schedule final negotiations.

Around The Rings has learned that the two sides met May 2 but more will be needed to coordinate the work still needed.

Reported by Miguel Hernandez.