The sporting evolution of Paraguay: growth on and off the playing field

In recent years, the hard work of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP) has positioned Paraguay as a privileged host of numerous sporting mega-events. These efforts have not only raised the country’s profile in the international arena, but have also brought significant economic benefits.

“We are very happy because our work is no longer just sport, it has become an important ally for the national economy and we are focused on continuing to serve our country in this way,” proudly states Camilo Pérez López Moreira, member of the Olympic Committee. International and president of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP) and the South American Sports Organization (Odesur).

The success began two years ago with the XII South American Games (ASU 2022) in Asunción. This multi-sports event, which featured the participation of 15 countries in 34 sports and an investment of close to 80 million dollars, significantly improved the country’s sports facilities, such as the Paraguayan Olympic Park and the National Sports Secretariat.

On the other hand, the South American Games turned out to be an economic success. According to the firm MF Economics, the estimated economic impact was 263 million dollars, an amount three times greater than the initial investment. “The Asunción 2022 South American Games had more than 4,000 athletes, 1,600 officials, 1,200 referees and more than 400,000 spectators, of which 70,000 were foreigners, without any incident of any kind,” said Pérez López Moreira.

New opportunities
The success of the South American Games opened new opportunities for Paraguay. In October of this year, Asunción will host the IV Latin American Special Olympics Games, and in July 2025, it will host the Junior Pan American Games, an event that will attract 41 countries and more than 5,000 athletes. These designations confirm the country’s determination to become a regional sports hub and the government’s support for sport as a state priority.

To prepare for these events, both the Paraguayan government and the Paraguayan Olympic Committee (COP) are committed to significant investments. In 2023, the COP Arena was inaugurated, a multi-sports venue with capacity for more than 3,300 spectators and accessibility for people with disabilities. In addition, the government of President Santiago Peña has confirmed an investment of 60 million dollars for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, which will include the construction of new facilities and the improvement of existing ones.

Paraguay has also presented its candidacy for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games in Asunción, an opportunity that would consolidate the country as a regional and global sports reference.

However, the Paraguayan Olympic Committee remains focused on its number one priority: supporting its own athletes and the community at large. Facilities, such as the Olympic Park that hosted the 2022 South American Games, now serve a wide range of activities, from family events to arts festivals.

A country with great ambitions
Despite being a small country, Paraguay has shown that its ambitions and its ability to make them come true are enormous. “We are very happy because our work is no longer just sport, it has become an important ally for the national economy and we are focused on continuing to serve our country in this way,” concludes Pérez López Moreira.

Paraguay is ready to continue its rise on the international sporting stage, showing the world that its spirit and determination have no limits.

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