World
South American Games 2026 inaugurated in Santa Fe with grand ceremony
The opening ceremony took place in Rosario, bringing together 4,000 athletes from 15 countries, including prominent figures from sports and music.
The South American Games 2026 were officially inaugurated this Saturday in a ceremony held at the Monument to the Flag in Rosario. This multi-sport event, which will run until September 26, features the participation of 4,000 athletes from 15 countries, including 658 athletes from Argentina.
The opening included musical performances by Argentine artists such as Soledad Pastorutti and Abel Pintos, intertwining sports with the culture of Santa Fe. Luciana Aymar, a prominent figure in Argentine hockey, was chosen to light the cauldron, marking a symbolic moment during the ceremony.
The event attracted a crowd that, despite the cold, gathered at the Monument to enjoy the show, which included several blocks of live performances and the presentation of the athletes from each delegation. The inaugural celebration witnessed the parade of competitors, including representatives from Chile, which arrived with a delegation of 535 athletes.
Representatives from other countries also made their entrance, notably Team Chile, where Manuela Urroz and Emanuelle Silva were the flag bearers. The athletes are aiming to improve on their fourth-place finish achieved in Asunción 2022.
This event will not only serve as a platform for sports but will also provide spots for the Pan American Games to be held in Lima in 2027. Competitions will take place in the venues of Rosario, Santa Fe, and Rafaela.
The South American Games represent a significant milestone for the region, showcasing the cultural richness and fraternity among the participating nations, as national and international spectators tune in to follow the various disciplines.