Proud Lima-Peru Celebrate the Bicentennial of Organizing the World Games 2021

The Peruvian capital is competing with Birmingham (USA) and Ufa (Russia) to host the eleventh edition of the World Games 2021, an event that brings expertise together from 30 non-Olympic sports.

"It will be another great opportunity to extend the legacy of sport for the city of Lima," said Jose Quinones, Peruvian Olympic Committee (COP), during the meeting held at the Westin Lima Hotel.

Lima demonstrated a strong case to the Evaluation Committee of the International World Games Association (IWGA) reinforcing its intentions to host the Games in 2021. The official visit included a four hour technical presentation, a visit to the National Stadium and a meeting with the President of Congress, Ana Maria Solorzano, who reaffirmed the Government's intention to support sport.

Lima's proposal was led by the President of the Peruvian Olympic Committee (COP), Jose Quinones, President of the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD), Francisco Boza, the representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Manuel Cacho Sousa, and the Director of the Lima 2021 campaign, Patrick Espejo, who presented the strengths of the city’s application.

Besides Lima, applicants to host the Games are the City of Birmingham, Alabama (USA) and Ufa (Russia). The final decision will be made next January in Lausanne, Switzerland.

If Lima were successful in this bid, it would add another great opportunity and challenge to demonstrate to the world the country’s commitment to sport which includes the first big challenge of the XVIII Pan American Games 2019. "This is a project that we will promote greater during the Pan American 2019. As the 2019 Games close, we will be able to move forwards immediately and present our campaign image and brand for the World Games, where a message for the celebration of the Bicentennial of Peru will also included," said Quinones.

PROPOSAL: A LEGACY

The proposal is part of a plan to reform Lima sustainably- using existing venues. More than 24 international championships and multidisciplinary events will be held in the Peruvian capital before 2021, as well as being an opportunity to start promoting the practice of 30 sports of the World Games via programs in schools. "We want to leave a legacy for the youth and children after the World Games," said the representative of the COP.

Another highlight will be the development of great sports village for the World Games, a modern WADA Doping Control, domestic tourism packages during competition, broadcast and transmission of all sporting events and able to promote the sustainable elements for each sport included in this contest.

Non-Olympic sports such as surfing and karate, where Peru's ability and journey into a different sports program will be enhanced, will include floor hockey, lacrosse, bocce, bowling, and many other disciplines. "We are able to host all events for the World Games, including four thousand athletes from 120 countries," concluded the coach.

The Evaluation Commission visited the different venues, such as the Videna and the Miguel Grau Complex and the two big clusters proposed for the Games. On the final day of the visit, the team went to Punta Rocas (40 kilometers to the South) to witness the competition of the ISA 50th Anniversary World Surfing Games. Whilst there, the guests were able to have a special meeting with Fernando Aguerre, President of the International Surfing Association.

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