The Parque Deportivo Estadio Nacional is currently hosting the Preparatory Games for Santiago 2027, serving as a critical testing ground for the facilities that will host the Special Olympics World Games next year.
Chilean Minister of Sports Francisco Riveros confirmed the site selection for 21 of the 23 sports disciplines, according to reporting by adnradio.cl.
“We are very happy. Today we have more than 700 athletes, next year we are going to have more than 6,000,” Riveros said. “Today there are eight countries; in 2027 there will be more than 170.”
Parque Deportivo Estadio Nacional to Host 13 Disciplines
The main sports complex served as the primary hub for the event, which was scheduled to begin on October 16 of the following year. This is the first time a Latin American nation will host the global event.
The venue assignments for the Parque Deportivo Estadio Nacional include:
- Athletics: Mario Recordón Athletic Center
- Swimming: Kristel Köbrich Aquatic Center
- 5×5 Basketball: Ismenia Pauchard Collective Sports Center
- 3×3 Basketball: Parque Deportivo Estadio Nacional
- Bocce: Paralympic Training Center
- Field Hockey: Claudia Schüler Training Center
- 7-a-side Football: Football 7 Center
- Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics: Sports Center 1
- Motor Activities Training Program: Paralympic Training Center
- Parapowerlifting: Contact Sports Center
- Table Tennis: Paralympic Training Center
- Tennis: Tennis Center and Anita Lizana Court
Regional Venue Distribution
Beyond the primary park, organizers have designated specific sites for the remaining disciplines to ensure the games are spread across the capital region. These venues include the Olympic Training Center for badminton and volleyball, and the Universidad San Sebastián Sports Club for futsal and padel.
Beach volleyball is set for Parque Peñalolén, cycling at the Escuela de Carabineros de Estación Central, and equestrian events at the Club de Golf Mapocho.
Integration and Legacy Goals
Officials are currently finalizing the locations for two remaining events: triathlon and open-water swimming. Minister Riveros emphasized that the objective for the 2027 Games extends beyond the athletic competition itself.
“We want these Games to be much more than just Games and leave a legacy that goes beyond the medals,” Riveros stated. “That they leave a country that looks at things differently, that opens spaces and that understands that inclusion is not a gesture, but a way of living together.”
The current Preparatory Games serve as a operational dress rehearsal for organizers to refine logistics, security, and accessibility standards before the global delegation arrives in 2027.
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