- Santiago embraces Games that once seemed out of Chile's reach

Chile welcomed the Pan American Games with open arms during a lively opening ceremony in Santiago. This marked a significant moment for the country, which had faced numerous setbacks in its bid to host the Games over the past five decades. Despite previous failures and challenges, Santiago finally secured the hosting rights, albeit by default as the only remaining contender. The Estadio Nacional, filled with pride, served as the venue for the country’s largest sporting event since the 1962 World Cup. While the picturesque backdrop of the Andes mountains added to the spectacle, concerns loomed over ticket sales, lack of star power, economic stagnation, and security issues. Nevertheless, the opening ceremony was a joyous affair, featuring a captivating performance showcasing Chile’s history and culture. The Parade of Nations, with Argentina leading and Chile concluding, was a highlight of the program. The event also acknowledged the dark history of the stadium, which was once a site of torture and execution during a coup d’état in 1973. The cauldron was lit by former athlete Lucy Lopez, assisted by tennis players Fernando Gonzalez and Nicolas Massu. With the festivities concluded, the focus now shifts to the hard work ahead for organizers and athletes, who will compete in 39 sports, with many events serving as qualifiers for the upcoming Paris Olympics.