To the rhythm of merengue, the Dominican Republic walked in the colorful opening ceremony of the First Junior Pan American Games that will be held until December 5.
With the athletes Moira Morillo, of judo, and Daniel Acosta Hilario, of badminton, flag bearers, and the bulk of officials, coaches, mission headquarters and athletes of different disciplines, the Dominican Republic toured the track of the Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium, the scene of the opening ceremony.
Acosta Hilario replaced Olympic sprinter Alexander Ogando, who will be absent from the multisport event after testing positive for covid 19.
The members of the Dominican delegation exuded total joy, jumping and executing movements to the lilting rhythm of the merengue, an indigenous rhythm of the Caribbean country.
The Dominican Republic attends the first version of the Junior Pan American Games with a delegation of 188 athletes.
The popular singer Fanny Lu was in charge of singing the national anthem of Colombia.
The ceremony included a majestic artistic and cultural program of pure entertainment for visitors and locals.
To make the night memorable and entertaining, as the protagonists of the sports youth of America, as well as the sports fans of Cali, space was given to the culture of Cali and the Valley, with the artistic quality that the event of this importance deserved.
With a 75 percent capacity, due to the restrictions currently imposed around the world by the coronavirus pandemic, citizens supported athletes and artists.
Called “the Great Youth Festival”, the president of Panam Sports, Chilean Neven Illic, highlighted the young athletes who will be the heroes of the future.
He also thanked the dedication and dedication of the Colombian authorities, the youth, the volunteers, as well as the participating countries in challenging and giving hope despite the moments of health crisis that we are experiencing.
He urged to continue working in favor of youth through sports, an activity that he defined as healthy.
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