SOURCE: Lima 2019 Organizing Committee

Lima; 14 February 2018: The Organising Committee for the Lima 2019 Pan American and Parapan American Games today unveiled former World Surf League champion Sofía Mulánovich as an ambassador for the Games.

The announcement was made at the Waikiki Surf Club in the capital city’s Miraflores district, where Lima 2019 President Carlos Neuhaus, and World Olympians Association (WOA) Vice-President in Peru, Ricardo Duarte were both present.

The role of a Lima 2019 ambassador includes; spreading the benefits and legacy of the Lima 2019 Games nationally and internationally; supporting and participating in campaigns and initiatives led by the Organising Committee; joining social network channels and interacting through them; and wearing clothing containing Lima 2019 branding, which was delivered at the presentation.

The popular Peruvian surfer recently returned to national and international competitions in the hope of qualifying for Lima 2019, where surfing is included in the sports programme for the first time in history. In addition, surfing events at the Games will be qualifiers for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where surfing is set to make its Olympic debut.

Speaking after the announcement, Lima 2019 President Carlos Neuhaus said:

“The Lima 2019 Games will be a very important event for Peru and the Games have the opportunity to leave a legacy where our country is seen as a key destination for global sporting events in years to come. Surfing’s popularity has grown considerably in recent years, and is no longer perceived as an elitist sport.

“For Lima 2019, it is an honour to have surfing champion Sofía Mulánovich as an Ambassador for the Games. We are delighted that she has returned to the sport to try to qualify for the inaugural surfing competition at the Pan American Games.”

President Neuhaus also stated that infrastructure projects remain on schedule to host over 10,000 athletes and technicians from 41 countries in the Americas. In March 2019, 95% of the infrastructure projects will be ready for the Games.

Sofía Mulánovich said:

“I am honoured to be appointed as an ambassador for the Games and would like to thank the Lima 2019 Organising Committee for this opportunity. As an athlete, it is very important that I fight for my qualification to be a part of Games. I am going to give my all to make these Games a success and will work very hard to be involved as an athlete, as well as an ambassador.”

The event at the Waikiki Club was also attended by Pan American Surf Assocation (PASA) President Karin Sierralta, Peruvian Surfing President Alberto Figari, members of the Lima 2019 Organising Committee and members of the press.