(ATR) Chile has confirmed the challenge of holding the first Santiago 2021 Master Games of the South American Sports Organization (ODESUR) in just six months.
The sports and tourism authorities of Chile have announced the possible participation of the 15 countries of the region in 11 disciplines.
Athletes ages 35 and older are eligible to compete.
The president of the Chilean Olympic Committee, Miguel Angel Mujica, declared to Around the Rings that it will be a "new challenge" for ODESUR and national Olympism.
"You have to keep walking with optimism," Mujica reaffirmed.
The Games were originally scheduled for April 2020 but were postponed due to Covid-19.
Santiago, Chile has advanced towards "phase 3" in the fight against the pandemic as of Wednesday. Under that classification, in addition to allowing travel without restrictions every day of the week, it requires that restaurants operate in open spaces.
Chile has registered more than 413,000 infections, of which more than 16,000 are active cases. Almost 386,000 have recovered. A total of 11,321 have died.
The Master Games will be played from March 10 to 21, 2021.
"We have everything available, it depends on the athletes who trust, travel and that ODESUR continues to believe," said the Minister of Sports, Cecilia Pérez.
ODESUR president and IOC member Camilo Pérez says "all those who decide to be part of these games will not regret it".
Chile's Undersecretary of Tourism José Luis Uriarte believes the event has the potential to reactivate the country's tourism activity.
"The games represent a tremendous opportunity to revive the country's economy and enhance all the attributes of Chile as a tourist destination," he said.
Registration for the Master Games will begin on October 19 through www.stgomaster2021.com
"We have felt strong support from the Chilean authorities so that the master athletes have their event in a timely manner," Mujica said.
The Chilean Olympic leader trusts that as time progresses there will be a decrease in infections.
"We want to be optimistic," he insisted. "We hope to see a different scenario within six months."
At the same time, Santiago has continued preparations for the 2023 Pan American Gamesdespite the health and economic crisis.
Written and reported by Miguel Hernandez
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