Peruvians’ support of para sports has resulted in the record-breaking sale of more than 100,000 tickets for the 2019 Parapan American Games in Lima.
Ticket sales gained momentum following the Opening Ceremony on August 23, where 30,000 spectators gathered at the National Stadium.
Americas Paralympic Committee (APC) president Julio Ávila said: “Having surpassed the number of 100,000 tickets sold in Lima 2019 is great news and evidence of growing interest in para sports throughout the Americas. There’s still a week of competition and I’m sure that the numbers of sales will be a lot higher.”
Lima 2019 is the largest Parapan American Games ever held, gathering over 1,800 para athletes from 33 countries to participate in 18 sports disciplines, across 17 different sports.
Para badminton, para taekwondo and shooting are making their debuts and a record 14 disciplines are offering Paralympic Games qualification.
Among the most popular para sports are para athletics and sitting volleyball, where the first place finisher will qualify for Tokyo 2020.
Lima 2019 president Carlos Neuhaus said: “We made history with the Pan American Games and we are now making history with the Parapan American Games. Lima 2019 is grateful to see sports fans fully embrace these revolutionary Parapan American Games and take us to the record 100,000 ticket mark.
“Peru’s love for para sport and unmatched devotion to the incredible para athletes competing in Lima is positively changing the way we all perceive those living with an impairment. The Parapan American Games are not a magic wand. But they will ensure that important issues like inclusion and accessibility are placed the forefront of Peru’s national agenda.”
Parapan American Games tickets can still be purchased for events such as goalball, para taekwondo, wheelchair rugby, para cycling track, wheelchair tennis and more. The event, which got underway on August 23, draws to a close on September 1.
Image: Australian Paralympic Committee
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