41 countries marched in the parade of athletes as the 2019 Pan American Games officially got underway Friday in Lima, Peru. The grand ceremony featured over 6500 athletes and more than 1500 performers.
Performances highlighted the rich culture of the Peruvian hosts including several traditional dances and choreographies that captured the heritage of “the richest country in the world”.
According to Carlos Neuhaus, President of the Lima 2019 Organizing Committee, “The people, food and a thousand years of history intertwined into the fabric of our city is also part of Lima 2019, which will be an unforgettable experience for those who are lucky enough to enjoy it.”
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.
Dominica can expect exceptional representation by Commonwealth Games medalist Thea LaFond who will compete in the women’s triple jump while Dillon Simon aims to at least build on his 2018 Commonwealth Games finalist position, secure a personal best and beat his national record in shotput.
The athletes are accompanied by 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 Attaché Sheena Harry.
Speaking ahead of the competition, Coach Gadson noted, “It is an honour and privilege to be representing Dominica at the Panam Games. I am really excited to reach the Games Village and assist our athletes in the best way I know how. Our athletes have been working hard and I expect that they will be ready to have their best performances of the season and contend for a medal.”
The athletes themselves are very optimistic about their chances.
Simon, who was a finalist in the 2015 Pan American Games said, “I feel pretty decent going into the games. I’m ready to represent my country well and hope that once I get to the facilities and start training more consistently with the track and weight room and stuff like that, once I get in the groove, I will be fine and iron out a couple things. But I’m looking forward to doing well and ending the season on a good note.”
The first competition for the Dominican athletes will be in August.
