Talent, culture, and legacy three words that defined the Closing Ceremony of the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026.
The Roberto Durán Arena turned into a sea of flags and colors with the entrance of the delegations from Ecuador, Argentina, Suriname, Paraguay, Peru, Chile, Curaçao, Colombia, Panama, Brazil, Aruba, Guyana, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Bolivia, creating a scene that will remain in the collective memory.
After months of preparation, with a mix of pride and nostalgia in the air, the country celebrated the conclusion of historic Games. One of the most emotional moments was the recognition of the volunteers men and women who, after long days of effort, energy, and sacrifice, showed up expecting nothing in return. Their applause was sincere and well deserved, as their impact will remain forever in the heart of Panama 2026.
The flag bearers led the final parade, representing a generation that dreams big. Leonardo Vargas Ponce and Briana Iriarte Botello (Bolivia), Pedro Olmos and Zoe Gorski (Argentina), Jevin Tobias Aguero and Emily Antunes Kuster (Brazil), Caleb Caldito Chang and Yumaira Rusell (Panama), Mauricio Escurra and Jimena Sostoa (Paraguay), Jermain Brigitta and Keziah Zoe Isabella Fluonia (Curaçao), Matías Moreno and Valentina Cancino (Chile), Francisco Pereira and Antonella Bonomi (Uruguay), Kevin Campaz and Juliana Agresot (Colombia), Ezekiel Millington and Akeelah Dover (Guyana), Sofía Junco and Thiago Goyzueta (Peru), Eden Antersyn and Esteffanie Van Greene (Aruba), Matheus Méndez and Katherine Perea (Ecuador), Leyon Cyrus and Ciara Tol (Suriname), and Enzo Quintana and Arianny Echandía (Venezuela) walked proudly with their flags, aware that this moment is now part of their personal history.
During the official ceremony, the Director General of the Games, Anamae Orillac, thanked everyone who believed in this collective dream: athletes, volunteers, and the organizing team. She highlighted that Panama proved it has the infrastructure, talent, and human capital necessary to host world-class sporting events. Also present were Miguel Ordóñez, Director of Pandeportes, and Damaris Young, President of the Panama Olympic Committee, accompanying this emotional closing.
Amid smiles, hugs, and memories, Antón the golden frog and official mascot of the Games—once again won over the crowd, dancing and taking photos with the athletes.
The Birth of New Stories
Talent, discipline, and sportsmanship that is the legacy of Panama 2026: infrastructure, organizational knowledge, and sport as a powerful tool for social transformation. In the final moment, the flags of the South American Sports Organization (ODESUR) and the Olympic Movement were lowered, while the South American flame slowly faded, marking the end of an era.
With a firm voice and a clear message, ODESUR Vice President Mario Moccia officially declared the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026 closed. And although the lights went out, what was experienced remains alive—in the memories of the athletes, in the pride of a nation, and in the beginning of new stories yet to be written.
A Golden Final
Emotion gave way to celebration as music took over the stage, turning the closing into a shared party. Los Rabanes and Phantom, along with DJ Flecha, ignited the final heartbeat of the Games, providing the soundtrack to a night no one wanted to end. Athletes, volunteers, staff, and fans came together dancing, singing, and celebrating without distinction saying goodbye to Panama 2026 with smiles, hugs, and the certainty of having been part of something unforgettable.
With this, Panama bids farewell to Games… at another level.
