Junior Panam Games close with colourful spectacle

THE CLOSING CEREMONY of the 2nd Junior Pan American Games, Asu 2025, took place on Sunday evening, August, 24,2025 at the Paraguayan Olympic Committee’s Olympic Park. A release from organisers said music, dance, tributes, and excitement marked the official close of a historic edition of the youth event organized by Panam Sports.

The day began with the presentation of officials and the parade of athletes who had participated in two unforgettable weeks of competition, brotherhood, and achievement.The singing of the Paraguayan National Anthem, by Jazmín del Paraguay, and a stunning performance by 40 dancers accompanied by fireworks provided the opening touches for an unforgettable evening.

“Thank you all very much. Long live Paraguay!” exclaimed the President of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, Camilo López Moreira, with great emotion in his speech.

One of the most moving moments was the presentation of the audiovisual “We Will Be a Legend,” a tribute to all the athletes who thrilled Asuncion with their dedication and passion. Paraguayan culture was also present with the staging of “Paraguay, Land of Enchantment,” performed by the group Tierra Adentro, Susan Saldívar, and a cast of folkloric dancers.

“Two years ago, we were preparing for these Games with great enthusiasm, and I want to thank all of you for the celebration you have given us.We carry the people of Paraguay in our hearts; you opened the doors of your country to us, and we greatly appreciate that,” said Neven Ilic, president of the Pan American Sports Organization, Panam Sports.

The volunteers, a key element in the organization’s success, received a heartfelt audiovisual tribute and the symbolic presentation of medals in recognition of their invaluable contribution.

“This entire celebration would not be possible without the great work of the Organizing Committee. Thank you for working day and night tirelessly,” added the Pan American sports leader. “Thank you so much to all the volunteers. We’re very excited. They were so warm, always with a smile,” Ilic added.

The formal ceremony included the singing of the Panam Sports Anthem and the lowering of the Panam Sports and International Olympic Committee flags. During the traditional handover of the venue, the President of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee, Camilo Pérez López Moreira, handed over the Pan American flag to the President of Panam Sports, Neven Ilic, who, along with the authorities present, offered closing remarks, highlighting the legacy of Asuncion 2025 and the promising future of the continent’s young athletes.

“If you keep working and striving, you will be the greatest in the world. You can do it; the secret is dreaming about it with your families. Being the best in the Americas is not easy, and you have achieved it,” he added to the athletes.

The most anticipated symbolic moment came with the extinguishing of the Pan American flame, artistically represented by 11 contemporary dancers, thus sealing the end of this second edition of the Games.

The celebration continued with the energy of the group Rombai, DJ Faro, and a grand artistic display featuring more than 60 urban dancers. The official mascots, Tito and Tika, accompanied the final moment with the song “We Are Pan Americans,” closing the ceremony in a climate of celebration and unity.

With this closing ceremony, Paraguay bid farewell, leaving an indelible mark on the history of continental sport, demonstrating its organizational skills, the warmth of its people, and the Pan American spirit that inspires new generations.

“We’re closing these Junior Pan American Games. Thank you, Paraguay, and we’ll see you soon,” concluded President Neven Ilic Álvarez.