The South American Games Santa Fe 2026 kicked off this Saturday at the National Flag Monument in Rosario, marking the first phase of the Olympic cycle towards Los Angeles 2028. The event, which will run until September 26, will feature the participation of more than 4,000 athletes from 15 countries.
The inaugural ceremony began at 7:30 PM with an artistic show that attracted between 250,000 and 300,000 people. Music was a central element of the event, with original arrangements by Lito Vitale and performances by well-known artists in Argentina. The presentation included a narrative about the history of Santa Fe, highlighting communities that contributed to its identity.
Abel Pintos performed the Argentine National Anthem alongside Juan Carlos Baglietto and Julia Mancilla before the parade of delegations, where Aruba had the honor of leading the march. The Argentine delegation, led by Rubén Rézola and Sofía Cairo, was the last to present, followed by the performance of “Late el Sur,” the anthem of the Games. Notable athletes held the Olympic flag, including Germán Chiaraviglio and Walter Herrmann.
Mario Moccia, president of the Argentine Olympic Committee (COA), and the governor of the province of Santa Fe, Maximiliano Pullaro, delivered speeches following the formal inauguration. Then, more than 50 artists presented a segment that remembered the diverse sports disciplines involved, with a varied and outstanding musical repertoire.
The lighting of the Olympic flame was one of the most emotional moments, featuring an audiovisual journey through Santa Fe that concluded with the handing over of the torch to Luciana Aymar, a recognized figure in Argentine hockey. The show culminated in a cumbia celebration, uniting all the artists in a great popular festival.
The official competition will encompass 43 sports and 60 disciplines, with events in nearby locations. The participation of more than 30 disciplines from Santa Fe 2026 will contribute to the qualification process for Lima 2027, and access to the sporting events will be free until the capacity of the venues is reached. The proceeds from advance ticket sales will be donated to charitable causes.
Rosario will host the majority of the competitions, while the cities of Santa Fe and Rafaela will also serve as venues for various events. The event will feature the participation of Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Curacao, Ecuador, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela, along with Argentina as the host country, represented by a delegation of 658 athletes. Argentina’s participation will focus on athletic performance and preparation for international commitments.
Source: www.infobae.com
