Less than a month before the start of the Pan American Games, sports authorities highlighted the impact of the event on the country's image around the world.
In a meeting organized by Fundación Imagen de Chile, the Minister of Sports, Jaime Pizarro; the Undersecretary of the portfolio, Antonia Illanes; and the Executive Director of Santiago 2023, Harold Mayne-Nicholls, delivered their balance of what has been achieved and the projections for the celebration of the next Pan American and Parapan American Games Santiago 2023.
On the occasion, Minister Pizarro referred to the investment and the impact that these Games will have on the country in various areas. "The President of the Republic, Gabriel Boric, entrusted us with the impeccable execution of these games, in all areas, and that is what we are working on. We have invested close to US $650 million, which has been used to build and improve infrastructure, as well as for the work carried out by the Santiago 2023 corporation in terms of materials, equipment, transportation of delegations, among others", commented the minister, adding that "it is good to note that other contributions have been added, particularly from private companies that have been motivated to be part of this".
Regarding the preparations prior to the inauguration, the Secretary of State highlighted the ceremony of the transfer of the Pan American torch from Mexico, a fire that after arriving in our country will travel from the north, south and insular territory, to converge in the ignition at the opening ceremony, a milestone that in Pizarro's opinion "will promote that Chile can hold more international events of this relevance".
The legacy for Chile
During the meeting, the Undersecretary of Sports, Antonia Illanes, emphasized that to date the works have already been carried out, both in new sports venues and in those that required remodeling. She also highlighted the inter-ministerial work that has been carried out with other 17 portfolios, which has resulted in various initiatives, such as improvements in public transport, safeguarding security during the event, building Villa Santiago 2023, street repairs, enactment of laws, student agreements, among others.
"These are state games, which are an expression of the democracy of the people and that is why this government gave them presidential priority, which has allowed us to work with all the speed that an event of this magnitude requires," he emphasized.
Also in terms of impact for the country, Mayne-Nicholls indicated that the presence of more than 9,000 athletes and para-athletes is expected, in addition to the arrival of some 100,000 tourists, "so the objective is to project an excellent image of our country".
He also pointed out that according to a citizen perception study, 45% of those surveyed consider that "inclusion" will be the great legacy of these games. Regarding the interest in attending the competitions, the official indicated that "67% of those surveyed expressed their concrete intention to attend, motivated by the desire to support our athletes and keep the country's image high".
In relation to the impact that this mega event will have on the country's image, the Executive Director of Imagen de Chile, Rossana Dresdner, emphasized that this sporting event is of great importance, not only in terms of image projection, but also because it is coherent with the axes with which Chile seeks to position itself before the world. "These games are based on pillars that reflect who we are as a country and what we want to show the world: sustainability, which in this event is expressed in notable elements such as carbon neutrality; diversity, through the inclusion of all and the free participation of minors and seniors. These games demonstrate that sport is a space for sharing, participating and building together", he added.
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