Panamericanos

Panamericanos, or the Pan American Games, are a continental multi-sport event for athletes from the Americas. They are organized by Panam Sports (formerly the Pan American Sports Organization, PASO). The games were first staged in 1951 in Buenos Aires and have been held every four years in the year before the Summer Olympic Games. In many sports, the Pan American Games also serve as Olympic qualifiers.

Participating nations come from North, Central, South America and the Caribbean, totaling around 41 member nations. The program includes dozens of sports, ranging from traditional Olympic disciplines to regional specialties, with events for both men and women. The exact lineup can vary by edition and has evolved over time, including the addition of new sports.

As a major regional festival, the Pan American Games provide a platform for elite competition, help developing athletes reach the international level, and offer host cities the opportunity to build sports infrastructure and attract tourism. The most recent edition occurred in 2023 in Santiago, Chile. Previous editions have been hosted by Lima in 2019 and Toronto in 2015, among others. The Pan American Games are governed by Panam Sports, working in coordination with the national Olympic committees of the participating countries.