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South American Youth Games Open in Panama as Odesur President Resigns

A surprise Odesur resignation during the showpiece signals a changing guard in South American sport.

Overview

  • The IV Juegos Suramericanos de la Juventud, inaugurated Sunday at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez by President José Raúl Mulino, run through April 25.
  • Fifteen national delegations paraded at the ceremony, the flame was lit by Olympic medalists Irving Saladino and Atheyna Bylon, and Farruko closed with a concert.
  • Odesur president Camilo Pérez López Moreira announced his resignation during the opening after nearly a decade in the role, marking a significant leadership shift for the region.
  • Competition began Monday with surf at Playa Venao plus judo, wrestling and table tennis, with the surf venue six hours from Panama City requiring extra travel for teams.
  • Peru sent 141 athletes and named Fernando Jimeno (wrestling) and Silvana Donayre (judo) as flag-bearers, highlighting the Games’ focus on rising talent aged about 14 to 17.