After the success of the Peruvian delegation in the South American Youth Games Rosario 2022, La República spoke with the president of COP, Renzo Manyari, who gave us details about the present and future of the governing body.
The number of medals (36) budgeted in Rosario was exceeded, what is attributed to that?
When they give us the preliminary balance of the Games, they don't tell us the color of the medal, in the end it's the effort of the athletes and all the work behind them that resulted in this joy for Peru. This is work that has been going on since 2016 with a view to 2019 and now it is bearing fruit. The ideal is not to stop this.
Hearing the Peruvian anthem on more than one occasion is an unforgettable memory...
It is a mix of emotions, I can't deny that I shed a tear on more than one occasion. Franchesco Elizalde's gold medal (weightlifting -67 kg) was a mixture of sensations because he competed with an injured elbow and seeing him lift the weight he lifted is a demonstration of what Olympic sports mean to these kids.
YOU CAN SEE: Peru exceeded its forecast of medals won at the South American Youth Games 2022
Now the Bolivarian Games are coming up in Valledupar (June 24 to July 5), what are the expectations?
Although it is a Bolivarian Games for adults, it is important that these kids who have shown that they are the new generation of sports in Rosario and Cali are present. There is an issue regarding administration and budget that could be a hindrance for some kids to travel. It is a matter that is being discussed with the IPD and we hope it has a prompt solution. With that, we could have the exact number that should be a historic delegation in a Bolivarian Games, and budget for the achievements.
Peru had a memorable participation in the III South American Youth Games Rosario 2022. Photo: IPD
Ayacucho is assured of hosting the Bolivarian Games 2024?
The guarantee letter from the Government to ODEBO and the payment of $50,000 for the spot had not been submitted, but Congressman Germán Tacuri and President Pedro Castillo called me to assure us of their support. That won't be the end, because the first week of June there will be a ceremony for the official delivery of the document and the president will meet with a group of Ayacucho athletes. In addition, his presence is expected at the farewell of the national delegation that will travel to Valledupar. It is clear that the government is getting involved with sports and how important it is to society.
YOU CAN SEE: Pedro Castillo supports Ayacucho region as host of the Bolivarian Games 2024
What is the current situation of COP?
We have overcome the biggest financial crisis in the history of sports. We have already activated the bank accounts, something that was done quickly. The only thing left is to resolve the outstanding performance issue with the IPD, with that we could say that we would end the year in the black, which is important. Relations with Panam Sport have been resumed and we are candidates to host the II Junior Pan American Games.