Dominica’s flag among 41 countries waved at Pan American Games in Peru

The Pan American Games begin in earnest Saturday with a full schedule after the event was officially opened Friday evening to a packed Estadio Nacional stadium. The Commonwealth of Dominica was one of the 41 countries that marched in the parade of athletes at the launch event.

Some 20 Caribbean nations are set to participate in the games including Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Grenada, Barbados, Haiti, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Commonwealth Games medallist Thea Lefond will compete in women’s triple jump while Dillon Simon will represent Dominica for shotput competition in Panam Games 2019. President of the Dominica Olympic Committee Billy Doctrove, Secretary-General (Ag) of the Dominica Olympic Committee Fenella Wenham. Chef de Mission Brendan Williams, Coach Aaron Gadson and Press Attache Sheena Harry are accompanying these athletes for the event.

[caption id="attachment_21153" align="alignnone" width="594"] Dillon Simon[/caption]

While speaking to media, Coach Gadson said, “ It is an honor and privilege to be representing the Commonwealth of Dominica at the Panam Games, I am excited to reach the games Village and assist our athletes in the best way. Our athletes have been work very hard for this event.”

[caption id="attachment_21154" align="alignnone" width="408"] Thea Lafond[/caption]

The grand ceremony which was hosted at Estadio Nacional in Lima, Peru featured over 6500 athletes and more than 1500 performers. The past and present of Peru were intertwined throughout the Opening Ceremony, woven together like a tapestry in a country where nature, culture, and sport coalesce.

Each performance throughout the ceremony celebrated a different facet of Peruvian culture, from its acclaimed cuisine to the cutting-edge creations of its fashion scene. The ceremony also featured performances from several Latin American icons, including guitarist Charlie Parra, Chef Micha Tsumura and singers Juan Diego Flroez and Luis Fonsi, leaving a near-capacity crowd on the edge of its seats.

[caption id="attachment_21155" align="alignnone" width="570"] Peruvian politician Cecilia Tait and , who won silver with the country's volleyball team at the 1988 Olympics, lights the torch to officially kick off the Pan American Games[/caption]

It was the first time the Pan American Games have visited Peru in the event’s long history. First held in 1951, the Pan American Games were hosted by Buenos Aires, Argentina, drawing 2,513 athletes from 21 countries.