The ODESUR Athletes’ Commission visited the Luis “Matador” Tejada High Performance Center and the Irving Saladino Sports City, touring the stadiums, facilities, and logistics where the 2026 South American Youth Games in Panama will take place.
The team toured the Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez Stadium, which will host football and athletics. They also visited the pools at the High Performance Center, where swimming competitions will be held, the Combat Cente already equipped with tatami mats for judo and taekwondo and the sports complex where new youth national futsal teams, both male and female, will be developed.
These were the words of Inés Remersaro, Olympic swimmer from Uruguay and President of the ODESUR Athletes’ Commission: “I am pleasantly surprised by the infrastructure the country has to host these Games. I believe they will be a total success and an incredible opportunity for Panama. It is great to see a new Olympic committee capable of organizing such an event. I wish all athletes great success and, above all, that they enjoy this celebration at home.”
Brazilian gymnast Francisco Barretto added: “This is my first time in Panama. I believe these Games will be a beautiful event for young people. Athletes will have an incredible experience because the facilities and infrastructure are top-level, allowing them to achieve great results. Sports transform lives“.
Four-time Olympic swimmer Benjamín Hackin also visited Panama and was impressed by the tour of the main sports venues.
“These Games represent the first international experience for many young athletes, highlighted Milka Kraljev, Argentine Olympic rower and member of the ODESUR Athletes’ Commission: “Since these are Youth Games, the goal is to provide young athletes with their first contact with an event of this magnitude. We hope they are inspired by the competitive and sporting spirit and can deliver their best performances“.
The 2026 South American Youth Games in Panama will take place from April 12 to 25, with more than 2,000 athletes aged 14 to 19 competing in 24 sports disciplines.
Tickets for this sporting event are available free of charge at Panaticket.com
