Team Canada has officially arrived at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.
Many of the 470 athletes who make up Team Canada marched into Estadio Nacional on Friday night, along with thousands of competitors from 40 other nations, for the incredible Opening Ceremony that kicked off the 19th Pan Am Games.
Before that, though, the culture and heritage of the host nation, Chile, was given the spotlight. There was a celebration of Chilean birds and a showcase of regional dances and music. The country was shown literally coming together as large modules were moved to form a stage in the shape of Chile, from the Atacama Desert in the north to Patagonia in the south.
An artist performs during the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
Artists perform at the stage during the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia)
Then it was time for the athletes to take centre stage in the Parade of Nations.
First into the stadium was Argentina, given the place of honour as the host of the first ever Pan Am Games in 1951.
Sabrina Ameghino and Marcos Moneta of Argentina carry their country’s flag during the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Just look at all those happy and excited Canadian athletes! On Saturday things will turn more serious as many of them embark on their competitions. While some are seeking medals, others are additionally seeking to secure Olympic qualification for Paris 2024.
Members of Team Canada, led by flag bearers Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes arrive the Opening Ceremony to officially start the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games on October 20, 2023. Photo by Candice Ward/COC
Members of Team Canada, led by flag bearers Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes arrive the Opening Ceremony to officially start the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games on October 20, 2023. Photo by Candice Ward/COC
Members of Team Canada, led by flag bearers Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes arrive the Opening Ceremony to officially start the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games on October 20, 2023. Photo by Candice Ward/COC
Members of Team Canada, led by flag bearers Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Paredes arrive the Opening Ceremony to officially start the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games on October 20, 2023. Photo by Darren Calabrese/COC
Closing out the parade to a rousing cheer from the home crowd was Chile, who are hosting the Pan Am Games for the very first time.
Kristel Köbrich and Esteban Grimalt of Chile carry their country’s flag during the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
After the Olympic and Pan Am flags were raised and the oaths were taken, the party resumed with a fantastic display of Chilean iconography.
And then it was time for the Pan American torch, or in this cases, torches, to arrive. Three torches had been crossing the expanse of the country in the leadup to the Games, but they were reunited into one flame just before entering the stadium.
Torch bearers stand next to the cauldron during the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games at the National Stadium in Santiago, Chile, Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
The final torchbearer was Lucy Lopez, who won high jump silver at the inaugural Pan Am Games in 1951. Assisted by Olympic tennis champions Fernando Gonzalez and Nicolas Massu, she lit the cauldron that will burn for the next 16 days.
Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games Hub
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