After 10 days competing in the <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2024/04/special-olympics-el-salvador-announces-delegation-for-iv-latin-american-games-asuncion-2024/" title="Special Olympics El Salvador Announces Delegation for IV Latin American Games Asunción 2024“>IV Latin American Games of Asunción 2024the The national delegation returned to Chile showing its 29 medals: 12 gold, 10 silver and 7 bronze. There were 64 athletes who went from “the bench to the court” in the disciplines of tennis, 3×3 basketball, athletics, field hockey, badminton, swimming, bocce and futsal.
“This international competition was very exciting, not only for the sporting experience, but also for the experiences that last a lifetime. Paraguay also stood out for its organization and the color that characterizes Latin America. “We are truly inspired by these games that were so inclusive,” said Carolina Picasso, president of Special Olympics Chile.
What was experienced at the airport upon the athletes’ return was very exciting. The reunion with their families and a lot of happiness marked Sunday’s day. Manuel Martinez, men’s 3×3 basketball coach, with tears in his eyes, summarized what the sporting event was like, stating that “I am crying because of the fight and sacrifice we had, we gave ourselves to the maximum. I would repeat this experience a thousand times. Happy to bring this silver medal.”
Strong call for inclusion
The closing ceremony, which took place in the arena of the National Sports Secretariat (SND), in Asunción, became a party for the delegations, who saw the flame of these Olympics extinguished for some time. “These games have taught us that inclusion is not just a goal, it is a daily action that we must cultivate in our lives, in our communities and in our societies,” said the president and regional director of Special Olympics Latin America, Claudia Echeverry.
Santiago 2027 is coming
Let us remember that the largest sporting and humanitarian event in the world will be held in the capital of Chile. The Special Olympics International Board of Directors announced last April that Santiago will host the 2027 Special Olympics World Games, marking the first time in the organization’s 55-year history that a World Games will take place in Latin America.
In less than four years, our country will host more than 6,000 Special Olympics athletes from more than 170 countries who will compete in 22 Olympic-type sports in the modern competition facilities in Santiago.
“All the countries that participated in Asunción have their sights set on the Special Olympics World Games Santiago 2027. The region is proud of Chile’s achievement and they have been made to feel that way in all instances of this beautiful event,” stressed Carolina Picasso. .
In this way, a historic chapter for Latin American sports concludes, leaving as a legacy a strong message of inclusion and hope.
Learn about the medals of the Special Olympics Team Chile
Athletics:
- 6 gold medals
- 2 silver medals
Badminton:
- 3 gold medals
- 1 silver medal
- 1 bronze medal
Bowls:
- 2 gold medals
- 2 silver medals
- 1 bronze medal
Swimming:
- 3 silver medals
- 2 bronze medals
Tennis:
- 1 gold medal
- 1 bronze medal
- 1 silver medal
Men’s 3×3 basketball:
Ladies 3×3 basketball:
Futsal:
