Jürgen Padberg led the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) delegation that visited Chile to check the progress of the VII Parapan American Games Santiago 2023. After three days of work, the Project Manager of the sports organization gave a positive evaluation of the organization of the event.
“Our goal is to have the best Games in history in each new edition. (The idea is) to add new elements, better elements, improvements to what has been done in the past and I am very sure that we will achieve that," he said.
Padberg valued the social approach of Santiago 2023. “I see differences with the previous Games. There is a lot of participation from the communities, from the local communities within Santiago and throughout the country. For these Games, the path to follow is the general Olympic sports movement and the Paralympic Games,” he stated.
“The commitment and development of plans that consider the people and the places they live and the relationship with the legacy of the Games, is exceptional. I think these are the most modern Games I have seen so far".
COCOM BALANCE 2022
What is your balance of these three days of work with the Organizing Committee?
- My general feeling is that there is a renewal of purpose, energy and dynamics within the Organizing Committee. I think everyone now understands the urgency with only 18 months ahead. And I can feel that, I can feel everyone's energy. So I am very happy and optimistic after these three days of meetings.
What can you tell us about the arrangements that need to be made?
- Regarding the arrangements and agreements that we have just made, it is something normal. Some of them are minuscule and just technicalities. Others are big, as they can affect important contracts, and so on. That is why we come and discuss these issues in detail every six months, to find out where we are and where we need to go in certain areas.
PAN AMERICAN AND PARAPAN AMERICAN VILLAGE PROGRESS
What is your impression of the Pan American and Parapan American Village today after your last visit six months ago?
- It's unprecedented for me. The pace of construction is really amazing, six months ago we were here and we saw a lot of land with a few bulldozers making some noise. That was all. And today all these towers rise up to 9 or even 11 or 12 stories. There is still a lot of work to do. You know, inside the towers you need electricity and plumbing. But the rate at which the buildings are being constructed is fantastic.
COMUNICACIONES SANTIAGO 2023
Mail: comunicaciones@santiago2023.org
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Instagram Mascota: @fiusantiago2023
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