The city of Ayacucho is living a historic moment with the celebration of the 2024 Bolivarian Games, an event that, according to Rosa Alegría, Administrative Secretary of the Special Legacy Project, has transformed the region of Huamanga and left an indelible impact on its inhabitants. This exclusive interview with SportsIn reveals the challenges and achievements of this event.

“The impact in Ayacucho and Huamanga has been tremendous. We are very happy because we have seen many visitors arrive, which has boosted the economy in terms of tourism, accommodation and food,” says Alegría. She also highlights that local artisans have been certified to promote their products with the official Ayacucho 2024 logo and the importance of the torch route, known as “the road that unites us”, which travelled through the 11 provinces of Huamanga: “It has been very beautiful. This has been an unprecedented event for the region,” she stressed.

“A BEAUTIFUL INAUGURATION”

Rosa Alegría being interviewed by Manuela Pareja of SportsIn.

One of the most exciting moments was the inauguration, which although it had to be postponed due to heavy rains, managed to be a resounding success. “It was a very difficult decision because we were prepared for the rain, but not for the deluge that came with thunderstorms and everything,” she explains. Even ponchos had been prepared for the attendees, but the extreme conditions posed a risk. “It rained for 12 hours straight with a very strong intensity, so that’s why we had to postpone the event,” says Alegría. The organisers faced the challenge of completing all the necessary paperwork in one day to guarantee the event: municipal permits, fireworks approvals and security guarantees. “It was worth it because the inauguration turned out beautifully,” she says proudly.

As for the logistical challenges, Alegría acknowledges that Ayacucho was not fully prepared to host a competition of this magnitude. “It’s a city that is not yet ready to receive all the sports we had to go out with in these games.” However, the team worked hard to adapt facilities, including schools and universities, in record time. “We have implemented everything in less than five months, even when we arrived there was not even the technical file approved for the works on the Via Bolivariana.” The adapted venues included the National University of San Cristóbal and two schools where facilities were set up for sports such as billiards, artistic gymnastics and the 3×3 park.

ACCOMMODATION, SPORTS FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT…

The legacy of these games is also significant. “We have built two towers of rooms and a dining hall that will remain as a legacy for the San Cristobal de Huamanga University, as well as a skate park and sports equipment,” adds Alegria. These improvements also include infrastructure for fronton and bocce competitions. “All this legacy, plus the equipment we have acquired, is going to stay on the ground,” she emphasises.

The enthusiasm of the people of Ayacucho has been palpable. Alegría recalls with emotion the thanks of the attendees during the inauguration. “Many people came up to me saying: “Thank you very much, I never thought I’d see a show like this in my land. It’s very gratifying,” she confesses. For Alegría, this experience has been a reaffirmation of Ayacucho’s potential. “The Huamanguinos are very happy, we are very happy and we have brought this beautiful region to the fore”, she concludes excitedly.