Baltazar Medina, president of the Bolivarian Sports Organisation (ODEBO) and key figure in these Bolivarian Games 2024, shared his thoughts on this sporting event being held in Ayacucho. In an exclusive interview for SportsIn, Medina addressed the inclusion of new disciplines, the integration of culture and sport, the organisational challenges and the great legacy that these games will leave in the region in an interesting talk.
The first question was straightforward as to why non-Olympic sports are included. “It is an issue of equity and sporting justice, taking into account that these athletes have the same rights as those competing in the Olympic Games,” said Medina when referring to the inclusion of sports disciplines that are not part of the Olympic programme. This approach also seeks to prepare Bolivarian athletes for international events such as the World Games, which are held every four years and focus on these non-Olympic disciplines. “Within the Bolivarian Sports Organisation we have structured this programme precisely as one of the preparation stages for the World Games,” he added.
CULTURE AS A PILLAR OF THE GAMES
Baltazar Medina and the interview with Manuela Pareja, (SportsIn).
The opening event of the Bolivarian Games was notable for its high cultural content, a deliberate choice on the part of ODEBO and here he explains why: “We have always given the message to concentrate on local cultural showcases rather than focusing on international artists or advanced technologies,” Medina explained. This approach seeks to foster cultural exchange, which he sees as one of the main benefits of this type of event.
“What we saw in Ayacucho was, apart from being artistically extraordinary, culturally very rich,” the president commented. This type of presentation not only enriches the athletes’ experience, but also allows them to take with them a significant souvenir of local customs and traditions.
SECURING THE INVESTMENT
Medina also addressed the organisational challenges faced by this event. “The first, as in all events of this nature, was getting the money to do it,” he said, acknowledging the commitment of the Peruvian government and the regional administrations of Ayacucho and Huamanga. Another significant challenge was the construction schedule, especially in the Sports Village, where delays meant that some sports had to be moved to Lima. ‘In the end, we were not able to build the entire village, but what was built was in excellent condition.
This circumstance has been resolved in an extraordinary way and therefore all the delegations were satisfied with the organisation and the services offered to the athletes. “The services that are being offered to the athletes are first class,” said Medina.
A LASTING LEGACY FOR AYACUCHO
Looking to the future, the ODEBO President emphasised the positive impact that the Bolivarian Games will have on Ayacucho. “There will be a great legacy for the city, which has to be translated into two very important factors: the first one is the local sport development, which will contribute to the growth of sport at national level. The second is the role of sport as an element of community integration and improvement of the quality of life.”
“The sporting practices that can be carried out in these beautiful scenarios will be key to energise the community,” Medina concluded. With these games, Ayacucho not only positions itself as an international sports destination, but also as an example of how sport and culture can come together to generate positive impact.
