The XIX edition of the Bolivarian Games will take place in the city of Valledupar, Colombia. A total of 88 athletes will participate in this sport event. Here we tell you five things you should know about these Games.
1.They mark the beginning of the Olympic cycle for the Americas
The first edition of the Bolivarian Sports Games was in 1938, parallel to the celebrations of the fourth centenary of the founding of the Colombian capital, Bogotá. They have been held every four years since 1961 with the exception of two editions: Maracaibo 1970 and Valledupar 2022.
These Games depend on the Bolivarian Sports Organization (ODEBO), which is made up of the Olympic Committees of Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. The Bolivarian Sports Organization is part of the Pan American Sports Organization (Panam Sports), which reports to the International Olympic Committee. That is why the Bolivarian Games are considered the beginning of the Olympic cycle in the American continent, following the South American Games, the Central American and Caribbean Games, the Pan American Games and finally the Olympic Games.
2.Simon Bolivar
The Bolivarian Games take their name from Simón Bolívar, also known as the Liberator of America. Bolívar was born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1783. He was a political and military leader who fought for the independence of what are now Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela from the Spanish crown.
3.Ten countries participate
In addition to the seven member countries of the Bolivarian Sports Organization, there are four invited delegations. These invited countries are: El Salvador, Guatemala, Dominican Republic and Paraguay. Although Paraguay is invited to this edition of the Bolivarian Games, it will not participate in archery.
4.Valledupar
There are 5 sports venues for these Games: Valledupar, Chimichagua, Bogotá, Cundinamarca and Cali. Archery will compete in the main venue, which is Valledupar. The competitions will take place in the facilities of the Campo Sintético del Barrio Panamá.
Valledupar is the capital of the department of Cesar. It is located in the north of Colombia. This city is also known as the city of the Holy Kings of the Upar Valley. Upar was the name of the cacique who ruled the region at the time of the arrival of the Spanish.
5.The king to beat
In the past Games also held in Colombian territory, Colombia was crowned archery champion. In Santa Marta 2017, the host delegation took a total of 20 medals.
For Valledupar 2022 there will be a total of 30 medals available. Archers will compete in the recurve and compound division for both women and men. Medals will be awarded for individual, team and mixed team events.
(Photos taken from Valledupar 2022 and Santa Marta 2017 Bolivarian Games web page. The latter by Julia Medina)