The flame that will light the cauldron of the I Junior Pan American Games has already covered the path that leads to the Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium, venue of the opening ceremony scheduled for the next 25th.
Cali, November 19 (JIT)-- The flame that will light the cauldron of the I Junior Pan American Games has already covered the path that leads to the Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium, venue of the opening ceremony scheduled for the next 25th.
The fire was born from a bonfire at the foot of the emblematic monument of Cristo Rey, where the president of Panam Sports, Neven Ilic, lit the torch that he placed in the hands of two local athletes: runner Valeria Cabezas and swimmer Juan Manuel Morales.
Marcelo Vélez, coordinator of the course, emphasized that the design of the course will showcase iconic sites, including the historic center and sports venues chosen by the city of Cali and the sub-venues of the event.
"We want it to be an inclusive movement, not only of gender... that 50 percent of those carrying the torch are people with disabilities," said the specialist, who insisted on the call to representatives of all ages and ethnic groups.
As a curious fact, the organizers pointed out that the lighting involved four alternatives, used since ancient times: flint, acetylene, potassium permanganate and sugar, and potassium permanganate and glycerin.
As for the design of the torch, its creators have explained that in correspondence with the one approved for the medals, it is inspired by Colombian birds. Hence, it represents a nest, in allusion to the place from where these begin their first flights.
"It is an association with the strength of the young athletes of the continent who open their wings in Colombia to fly high," they emphasized about the shape chosen for the piece that already mobilizes thousands of fans determined to applaud the passage of its bearers.
Barranquilla, Jamundí, Calima, Yumbo, Buga, Palmira? All in the midst of security measures approved as part of a device that involves almost three thousand members of the National Police and is supported by other institutions such as the Army and the Air Force.
"All in the same work team," said the commander of the Metropolitan Police of Cali, General Juan Carlos León, commenting on the plan that also includes Civil Defense, Firefighters and Red Cross.
"With a rigorous planning for sports venues, training sites, hotels, travel routes and tourist routes," said the high official.
