Statement by Minister Duncan on the Opening Ceremony of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games

LIMA, Peru, July 26, 2019

Today, the countries of the Americas unite to officially open the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.

Team Canada will march proudly into Estadio Nacional del Perú, led by flag-bearer Scott Tupper, field hockey athlete, to join the 6,680 athletes—representing 41 countries and competing in 39 sports—and begin their Pan Am journey.

For the next 16 days, we will cheer on these elite athletes as they demonstrate the values that define sport: excellence, commitment and determination.

Countless hours go into training for this competition, and our athletes are ready to show what Canada brings to the playing field. I would like to congratulate all our athletes who have trained long years and excelled at their sports to make it to the Games. Their tenacity, discipline and willpower inspire all Canadians of all ages and all abilities to be more active in sport.

I will be cheering along with all Canadians across the country as our athletes represent our great nation with the maple leaf close to their hearts.

Associated links

• Sport Canada 
  
• Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games 
• Team Canada athletes – Lima 2019 Pan American Games