PANAMA CITY – With just one month to go, Panama is finalizing preparations to host the IV South American Youth Games, scheduled to take place from April 12 to April 25, 2026. The event, anticipated to be the most significant sporting occasion in the nation’s history, will welcome over 2,000 athletes aged 14 to 17 from 15 South American countries.
The Games will see participation from Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Curaçao, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Suriname, and Venezuela. Organizers are anticipating a substantial influx of tourists alongside the athletes, further boosting Panama’s profile as a regional hub for sports and tourism.
“Panama is preparing for the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026 through a process of strategic planning, interagency coordination, and a commitment to the highest international standards in sports,” stated Damaris Young, President of the Panamanian Olympic Committee. “This effort is jointly led by the Panamanian Olympic Committee and the National Government, through Pandeportes, under a governance model that integrates various state institutions and private-sector partners to ensure a solid, efficient organization aligned with the best practices of the Olympic Movement.”
Young added that preparations have focused on strengthening sports infrastructure, training personnel, establishing volunteer programs, and implementing advanced technological systems for event management. A key goal, she emphasized, is to create a lasting legacy that extends beyond the sporting arena and benefits the country as a whole.
The Games will utilize 21 venues across Panama, with the Sports City named after Panamanian track and field star Irving Saladino serving as the central hub. The Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez Stadium will host the Opening Ceremony, while the Roberto Durán Arena will be the site for badminton and futsal competitions. The Emilio Royo Stadium will see the debut of flag football as a featured sport at the Games.
A significant departure from previous editions, Panama 2026 will feature a dedicated South American Village. This athlete accommodation facility, capable of housing 2,000 individuals, will provide not only lodging but also recreational spaces and opportunities for cultural exchange among the participating delegations. Notably, the chess competition will also be held within the Village.
Athletes will compete across 24 different sports: Athletics, Baseball, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Fencing, Flag Football, Football (Soccer), Futsal, Gymnastics, Golf, Judo, Karate, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Swimming, Surfing, Taekwondo, Tennis, Table Tennis, Archery, and Triathlon. [1]
“On Another Level” – A Vision for the Future
The official slogan for the Games, “On Another Level,” encapsulates Panama’s ambition to elevate its standing on the international stage. Organizers draw a parallel to the Panama Canal, a landmark achievement that transformed global connectivity and development, suggesting that these Games will similarly propel young athletes toward new heights of excellence. [3]
Representing the spirit of the Games is “Anton,” the official mascot – a Golden Frog native to Panama. The Golden Frog symbolizes youth, biodiversity, and the unity of the South American continent. [3]
“To the athletes and National Olympic Committees of South America, we say that Panama will welcome you with open arms,” Young stated. “Panama 2026 will be a celebration of young talent, of the friendship between our nations, and of the values that unite us as the Olympic Movement.”
“You can expect Games organized with passion, hospitality, and a deep respect for sport. We want every athlete who comes to our country to have an unforgettable experience—as we say in Panama 2026, ‘On Another Level’—to compete under excellent conditions, and to feel proud to be part of an event that drives the future of sport in our region. Panama is ready to welcome you and to write a new chapter together in the history of South American sport,” she concluded.
Anton, the official mascot of the 2026 South American Youth Games in Panama
More than 2,000 athletes from 15 countries are expected at Panama 2026
The South American Youth Games, held every four years, provide a crucial development platform for young athletes across the continent. The first edition took place in Lima, Peru, in 2013, followed by editions in Santiago, Chile (2017), and Rosario, Argentina (2022). [2] Panama now steps forward to build on that legacy, promising an event that will resonate throughout the region and beyond.
What’s Next: The focus now shifts to the final logistical preparations and the arrival of athletes and officials in Panama City next month. Further updates on the Games, including detailed schedules and competition results, will be available on the Panam Sports website.
Archysport will continue to provide coverage of the South American Youth Games as the event unfolds.
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