(ATR)Jose Quinones, president of Peru's national Olympic committee, tells Around the Rings Lima has the experience needed to host an event like the World Games.
"Over the last five years, we have organized more international sporting events than any other city in Latin America.
"Hosting these, plus major global conferences such as the IOC World Conference on Sport for All last year, have helped us to build tremendous experience and know-how when it comes to hosting events."
An evaluation commission from the International World Games Association is visiting Lima, Peru this week. Lima is bidding for the 2021 World Games alongside Birmingham, United States and Ufa, Russia.
This marks the evaluation commission'sfinal visit to candidate cities for the 2021 World Games. Officials visited Ufa and Birmingham earlier this month.
Commission members include its leader Max Bishop, vice president of the IWGA executive committee;Joachim Gossow, CEO of the IWGA; and Co Koren, a member of the IWGA executive committee.
Quinones tells ATR that this week the commission will visit several of Lima's key venues including Peru's national stadium and sports village, the VIDENA.
The commission will also attend the 50th edition of the World Surfing Games, which began on Oct. 24 at Punta Rocas beach. "We are looking to give the committee the full Lima experience, so they can feel the energy and discover our unique city," Quinones says.
Ultimately, Quinones tells ATR hosting the World Games is not about economic impact for Lima."We see hosting the World Games as an investment in the future of Peru.
"But, as is the case for all major events, our hotel and leisure sector will benefit from the additional visitors, who we hope will extend their stay to see more of what our fantastic country has to offer."
When asked how he thinks Lima compares to Birmingham and Ufa, Quinones told ATR all three cities are strong contenders for the 2021 World Games.
However Lima's culture, according to Quinones, makes the city stand out. "Peru's culture integrates the values of our ancient, noble history and the modern day, successful society that has grown from it."
Quinones adds, "I think this is what attracts international sport to Peru.Sport is very traditional in its approach, but is at the same time always looking for development and growth.
"With the strong focus the IWGA puts on culture, the World Games is a great fit for us."
The IWGA will announce the host city for the 2021 World Games on Jan. 22, 2015.
Written byNicole Bennett
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