PANAMA CITY, Panama – A delegation of over 140 Paraguayan athletes will compete at the IV South American Youth Games, hosted by Panama from April 12th to April 25th. The games are expected to draw approximately 2,000 competitors from 15 countries across the continent, according to the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP).
The ‘Team Paraguay’ was formally presented at a ceremony led by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña and Camilo Pérez, the head of the COP. The event signaled a strong national commitment to youth sports development and international competition.
During the presentation, Catalina Delmás, a promising tennis player, and Jhosías Núñez, a footballer, were named as the flag bearers for the Paraguayan delegation at the opening ceremony. This honor recognizes their athletic achievements and represents the aspirations of the entire team.
President Peña expressed his confidence in the team’s potential, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “¡El Team Paraguay ya está listo para hacer historia en Panamá!” (“Team Paraguay is now ready to make history in Panama!”). He further stated that Paraguay is “a giant entering the field with the firm conviction of achieving victory.” He recounted his own experience playing rugby at age 17, hoping to inspire the young athletes.
The Paraguayan team, under the leadership of Norma Fernández, president of the Paraguayan Hockey Association, will participate in a diverse range of sports. These include aquatic sports, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, cycling, fencing, both men’s and women’s football, futsal, golf, judo, karate, weightlifting, wrestling, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, archery, triathlon, and chess. The breadth of participation highlights Paraguay’s commitment to a wide spectrum of athletic disciplines.
The South American Youth Games will take place in Panama City and Playa Venao, offering a varied landscape for the competitions. The games, which were officially created in May 2012 and first held in Lima, Peru in September 2013, aim to foster athletic development and regional cooperation among young athletes. This year’s motto, “A otro nivel” (“To another level”), reflects the ambition to elevate the games to new heights.
These games are particularly significant for athletes aged 14 to 17, providing a crucial platform for gaining international experience and showcasing their talents. For many, this will be their first taste of high-level competition, offering valuable preparation for future events, including potential participation in the Olympic Games. The South American Youth Games serve as a vital stepping stone in their athletic careers.
The Paraguayan delegation’s participation underscores the growing emphasis on youth sports within the country. President Peña’s visible support and the COP’s organizational efforts demonstrate a concerted effort to invest in the next generation of athletes. This investment is seen as crucial for Paraguay’s long-term success in international sporting events.
The upcoming games in Panama represent an opportunity for Paraguayan athletes to not only compete but also to build camaraderie and learn from their peers across South America. The experience gained will undoubtedly contribute to the development of sports in Paraguay for years to come. The COP is hopeful that the team will return with a strong showing and inspire further participation in sports throughout the nation.
Following the South American Youth Games, many of the Paraguayan athletes are expected to return to their respective training programs, with a focus on preparing for upcoming national and international competitions. The COP will continue to provide support and resources to support these young athletes reach their full potential. The next major event on the horizon for many will be national championships, serving as qualifiers for future international tournaments.
Fans can follow Team Paraguay’s progress throughout the South American Youth Games through the COP’s official channels and various sports news outlets. Updates on results, schedules, and athlete profiles will be regularly posted, allowing supporters to cheer on their national team. The COP encourages the public to show their support and celebrate the achievements of these young athletes.
