Camilo Perez faces “the biggest challenge” in his career as a sports manager: Asuncion 2022

The disastrous consequences of the war in Ukraine could undermine the most noble goals on the planet.

Recently, the South American Sports Organization (ODESUR), led by the Paraguayan Camilo Perez Lopez Moreira, immediately joined the active position of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which violated the Russian government's Olympic truce due to the military invasion of Ukraine.

Pérez López-Moreira explains: “In ODESUR, we claim numerous victims and condemn this aggression that violates the forced separation of families, the migration of thousands of citizens and the sovereignty of independent states.” Says Pérez López-Moreira.Around the ring.

Due to its devastating and global impact, the belligerent actions described as “special peacekeeping operations” for 21 days may affect multidisciplinary sports projects of international horizons, such as the South American Games scheduled for October 1 to 15 in Asuncion, Paraguay.

The optimism of Camilo Pérez, president of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, has accompanied him since he decided to carry out Asuncion's bid for every occasion in 2017, and he says that today, seven months before the opening of the Games, “do not stop preparing”.

The director is also convinced that Asuncion 2022 will be the biggest challenge in his career as a sports manager.

What worries you most now?

“The point is that the newly purchased tool arrives on time. Due to global war-related issues, there may be a sudden shortage of cash on the shipment. It all happens, but it depends on external factors.

“The goods arrive from various ports around the world. There is actually no delay, but there is reason for concern. The world is cramped and shipping delays are fear.However, we believe that everything will be done in a timely manner.

“On the other hand, the game should be about two months before the game starts. Although not much, the final stage of the construction process in the history of mega events seems normal.”

“Worries are daily, there are problems every day, but I think everything will be fine. From now on, God has allowed less interest in continuing the war. If it spreads, it can be very harmful to everyone.

“And we don't even think about the coronavirus pandemic that we think is already at dusk.”

On the epidemic, the Paraguayan government has imposed many restrictions, but has canceled a decree that is still in force. For example, presenting a vaccination record for entry into the country... Is there no game for people who are not vaccinated?

“At this very moment, a large-scale event in Paraguay was no longer restricted. Last Sunday, more than 40,000 people attended the Paraguayan football classic and no one was seen wearing a mask, which is only necessary in closed places.In some cases, there is a downward trend.

“If there was a competition today, all participants should be vaccinated, even if they are spectators. This is not a measure of the game, but a law of the land. We hope that more bans will be removed over time. We hope that infections will continue to decrease due to the effects of vaccination.”

But are you breathing today with the uncertainty and terrible blow of the pandemic that occurred in the summer of 2019 and the end of 2021 due to budget problems when the game began to touch your fingers?

“It will be quieter the day after closing.

“But today we are in a different position with a budget approved by national law last November and ratified by the President of the Republic of Mario Abdo Benitez. Today they are executing their last purchase. There are only a few transactions left to be completed this March.

“All tenders are carried out by the National Sports Secretariat (SND) led by the Minister of Fatima Morales, the entity responsible for organizing the Games, and we are not a party, but we are accompanying the process.”

If so, does it not appear in the game organizational structure that is directly dependent on NDS?

“As President of ODESUR, I am not a member of the Organizing Committee elsewhere in order to maintain my independence, but in Paraguay it is called “General Coordination of the South American Games Asuncion 2022”. However, other members of the Paraguay Olympic Committee do. I am not attending the meeting as a guest, but I received information according to a report from a colleague.

“We have very fluid communication with Minister Morales and carry out overall coordination.”

As an Olympic leader, do you often communicate with the President of the Republic on Olympic topics?

“Recently we visited him with a group of about 200 scholarship players. There is a significant investment in preparation. The President made the meeting a priority on the agenda.

“The direct contact is Minister Morales. Starting this month, we will hold biweekly meetings with a group of ministers led by the Secretary-General and the Presidential Cabinet. They coordinate the actions of SND and COP with various ministries based on other non-sports fields such as security, health, tourism, etc.

But are you participating in this meeting?

“As President of the Police”

- Do you have a Paraguayan medal among the more than 200 scholarship recipients?

“Yes, we are trying to outperform the performance of Cochabamba (Bolivia) in 2018, but do not ask what type of sport it is. I don't want anyone to get hurt or despair. There is hope in many areas.”

Can we see Thomas Bach at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games?

“In these times it seems difficult because of his commitment to the agenda, but we are going to invite him.”

As an IOC member, you are a member of the Olympic Program and the LA 2028 Committee. Will the Asuncion 2022 experience be useful?

“There is no doubt that this will be the closest match to the organization throughout the management career, but I learned lessons from the South American Games held in Santiago de Chile in 2014 and the Cochabamba 2018 Games and the Santiago Youth Games 2017. Next month, Rosario... don't you think it's already changed a bit?”.

I still have 7 months left, I'm not skeptical and the time is too tight, isn't it?

“To tell the truth, we are competing with time. Every day is a day of victory or defeat in a different region, but we do our best to make sure everything goes well.

“I'm sure this game will be a lot of sport in Paraguay.

“It will be a before and after for all of us.

“I am convinced that the greatest challenge and greatest achievement in my career as a sports manager will be able to advance these competitions.”

You are a sports leader with notable success in recent years.He has been re-elected as a member of the IOC and the Panama Sports Executive Committee, Head of COP and ODESUR of the National Association of Olympic Committees and the International Tennis Federation...

Have you ever thought about throwing away towels during this complicated time?

“No, that's not my style. And as problems become more and more difficult, I want to face them more and more and move forward. If I have the strength, I will continue to fight to make sure that everything goes well in sports in Paraguay.

“It is difficult now, but thanks to teamwork, I would like to thank all those who want to see the success of the game in a small country that has never held a contest in history by collaborating