Grenadian athletes among 4,000 plus at Pan Am Games opening

by Curlan Campbell 

• Grenadian athletes participating supported by Grenada Olympic Committee
• Grenada’s team led by Lindon Victor
• Journalists Curlan Campbell and Neisha Peters covering games

Chileans from all walks of life came together to celebrate the Pan American Games opening at a time when the psychological wounds stemming from its historical past still linger. As the country declared the games open during a ceremony held at the National Stadium, the Estadio Nacional, on Friday, 20 October, the opening performances symbolised the healing process and a hopeful future.

Since the 1962 World Cup, Chile’s hosting of the Pan Am Games has been a big deal after several unsuccessful attempts at bidding to host the games. Chile had been awarded the opportunity to host the games twice before, in 1975 and 1987, but was forced to withdraw due to political turmoil primarily associated with the 11 September 1973 coup by dictator Augusto Pinochet, who established a dictatorship in the country for almost 2 decades. 

Grenadian athletes are participating in this year’s games with support from the Grenada Olympic Committee, including its President Bernard Wilson. Curlan Campbell and Neisha Peters, journalists from Grenada, are currently in Chile to cover the games and witness the opening ceremony. 

As a prelude before the prompt 8:30 pm start, early spectators were thrilled with the Chilean airforce pilot who decorated the sky with elaborate manoeuvres. The crowd’s attention shifted to the front stage, where Juanita Parra played the acoustic drums. Flames and fireworks accompanied her performance, along with well-choreographed theatrical acts.

The elaborate performances had a more profound significance beneath their surface beauty. For example, the site where the newly refurbished stadium is situated, was once used as a prison during the coup d’etat, where prisoners were tortured and killed. As a memorial, a section of the old structure remains as it was 50 years ago in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

The performances showcased structures resembling Chile’s rocky terrain being pulled apart and reassembled in different patterns, while Amanda Ramirez impressed the crowd with her singing. The theatrical performances paid tribute to Chile’s indigenous peoples, clothing and dances. Also, they featured performers suspended on wires dressed like indigenous birds like Fiu the 7-coloured bird, and the Official Mascot of Santiago 2023.

The official part of the ceremonial opening was followed by the singing of the national anthem by Constanza Wilson while the Chilean flag was hoisted. 

After more performances, more than 4,000 athletes from 41 countries and territories marched with flags in hand. Grenadian swimmers Tilly Collymore and Zackary Gresham were last night’s flag-bearers during the opening ceremony at the Estadio Nacional. 

Speeches from Santiago 2023 President and Chilean Sports Minister Jaime Pizarro, who encouraged athletes to embody the spirit of Chile and carry the flame with them in Santiago, followed.

Panam Sports President Neven Ilic reminded athletes that this event celebrates their hard work and dedication. “Dear athletes, this celebration is for you. It’s a tribute to your values, to the work you show us every day. The truth is we’ve always admired you because you dream, we’ve admired you because you capable of working hard, of winning and losing, but you know that in life, those who work hard are also the ones who succeed,” he said.

Following speeches, the Panam Sports and International Olympic Committee flag was hoisted alongside the Chilean flag. Then, after more performances, the Torch Relay ended with Lucy Lopez, 93, Chile’s first silver medalist in the high jump at the 1951 Pan American Games, lighting the cauldron to bring to a close the official ceremony with an array of traditional symbols displayed by drones that lit up the sky.

More than 7,000 athletes in various sporting disciplines will compete in games that last until 5 November. 

Grenada’s athletic team at the Pan Am games is led by Lindon Victor (Decathlon), Halle Hazzard (100M & 200M), Kelsie Murrel-Ross (Shot Put), Tyshawn Jones 80kg and Nikita Borisik 63.5kg (Boxing) and Tilly Collymore and Zackary Gresham (swimming).