Chile Ready to Host Parasuramericanos
After each Olympics come the Paralympics, the Pan American Games are followed by the Para Pan American Games, and for the first time, athletes with a disability will compete in the Parasuramericanos.
Led by Paralympic gold medalist Cristián Valenzuela and powerlifting world record holder Juan Carlos Garrido, Chile will host a strong team of 103 athletes for the first ever Parasuramericanos.
The first event of its kind will host seven different events, all taking place in the Estadio Nacional precinct. The will be eight countries participating.
Valenzuela is not taking any half measures for the Games. In an interview with La Tercera, the long distance runner said, “It’s a double sensation. Pressure and motivation. Pressure because I want to bring the world record back to Chile and to my family, and motivation because the Paralympic movement is in development.”
For Garrido, it’s important that the athletes are seen as just that. “I hope that the event will allow people to connect with the Paraylmpic athletes, to show that we are not doing these sports just for recreation or rehabilitation, as many think, but we are just the same as any athlete. We train every day,” the weightlifter said to Sport/Life in an interview.
Wheelchair basketball will take place beginning today, Tuesday March 25 in the Gimnasio Polideportivo and the Parasuramericanos will finish up on Sunday March 30. More information can be found on the official website.
About the Author
Daniel Boyle Founder of @sportslashlife. Australian living in Chile. Freestyle footbag player and passionate sports fan.
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