The III South American Youth Games 2022 started with strength. In total, there are 2,500 athletes between the ages of 14 and 18 who have come together to compete in different categories. Peru is one of the participating nations and has started on the right foot, as Alexia Sotomayor has won the first gold medal for the national team. In this article, you will find the five important points.
Where are the South American Youth Games taking place?
This third edition is being held at Independence Park, located in the city of Rosario, Santa Fe province, Argentina. The event runs from Thursday, April 28th to Sunday, May 8th.
How many countries are competing in the games?
A total of 15 countries have gathered: Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
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How many disciplines are in competition?
The Rosario 2022 South American Youth Games have 26 sports disciplines:
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Beach handball
- 3x3 basketball
- Boxing
- Cycling
- Climbing
- Fencing
- Futsal
- Artistic gymnastics
- Hockey 5
- Judo
- Karate
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
- Swimming
- Artistic skating
- Speed skating
- Rugby 7
- Skateboarding
- Taekwondo
- Tennis
- Table tennis
- Archery
- Triathlon
- Beach volleyball
Skateboarding is one of the most anticipated sports after its great success at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Photo: Rosario 2022
Who is the mascot of the event?
In this edition of the games, the official mascot is Teté. It is a bird named Tero and is mainly found in South America. In the city of Rosario, this bird can be mostly seen at Independence Park.
According to the organization's website, "the choice of Teté is based on the fact that it was the mascot for the second edition of the Cruz del Sur Games (later renamed ODESUR) held in 1982 in the same city."
Teté accompanies the audience and athletes at every event. Photo: Rosario 2022
Peruvian delegation: How many athletes are participating?
The Peruvian delegation participating in this great event consists of 121 athletes. Alexia Sotomayor, in the 50-meter backstroke discipline in swimming, won the first national gold medal, and it is expected that many more will be achieved.
Alexia Sotomayor broke the 1000-meter backstroke record in 2021. Photo: Peruvian Olympic Committee