As the 2024 Bolivarian Games are successfully underway in Ayacucho, Peru, SportsIn had the opportunity to speak with Renzo Manyari, proud president of the Peruvian Olympic Committee. This edition of the Games seeks not only to celebrate sport, but also to leave a profound legacy in a region marked by its history, in fact this edition of the Games will be remembered as the Bicentenary (of independence). Below, we share Manyari’s reflections on the social, sporting and cultural impact of this event on Peruvian society.
“To understand the impact of the games we have to put ourselves in a little bit of context about the history of Peru,” Manyari began. Ayacucho was “one of the most affected regions during the period of terrorism in the country.” Therefore, bringing sport to this region has a special meaning: “It is a mechanism of peace to start building a much more united, fairer, more inclusive country. We want to heal the wounds of the past and build the dreams of the sons and daughters of Peru through sport.”
ORGANISATIONAL CHALLENGES OVERCOME
Manyari during the interview with SportsIn’s Manuela Pareja.
According to the President of the Olympic Committee, “the Bolivarian Games have generated a significant social, historical and sporting impact. This legacy is not only materialised in new infrastructures, such as schools and educational centres equipped for sporting events, but also in the positioning of Ayacucho as the sporting epicentre of the southern part of the country.”
Organising an event of this magnitude in an Andean region presented significant challenges, from the construction of the Bolivariana road to the logistics of transporting sports equipment. Manyari also highlighted the importance of raising awareness among the population about the “relevance of lesser-known sports disciplines such as Muay Thai, Wushu or eSports. This work of social awareness was an important challenge that we achieved through integration and communication with society,” he explained.
THE STRENGTHENED TEAM PERU
Speaking about the Peruvian delegation, Manyari was optimistic. “More than singling out individual athletes, I would say that Team Peru is very strong as a whole. We have aspirations to be among the top three in the medal standings.” He also highlighted the expected performance in disciplines such as Muay Thai, where the athletes have shown an excellent competitive level.
As for medal expectations, Manyari was cautious but confident: “We hope to exceed 40 medals and, beyond the number, we want these results to be known nationally to inspire other regions to organise multi-sport events.”
SPORT AND PEACE, THE LEGACY
Manyari’s vision for sport in Peru goes beyond competitions. His goal is to foster identity and a sense of belonging in new generations through role models: “Peace through sport, peace through Olympism,” he concluded.
With an event that transcends sport, the Bolivarian Bicentennial Games are consolidated as a milestone in the history of Ayacucho and Peru, showing that sport is a powerful tool for social transformation and the development of a more inclusive country, and this is Manyari’s true mission with the promotion of sport in his country.
