1979 Pan American Games

Last updated

VIII Pan American Games
1979 Pan American Games logo.svg
Host San Juan, Puerto Rico
Nations34
Athletes3,700
Events250 in 24 sports
OpeningJuly 1
ClosingJuly 15
Opened by Governor Carlos Romero Barceló
Cauldron lighter Cynthia Guadalupe
Main venue Hiram Bithorn Stadium

The 1979 Pan American Games (Spanish: Juegos Panamericanos de 1979), officially the VIII Pan American Games were a multi-sport event governed by the Panam Sports Organization, and were held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from July 1 to July 15, 1979. Volleyball and some baseball matches were held in Caguas, Puerto Rico. [1] [2] The 1980 documentary film A Step Away showcased a number of athletes competing in the Games.

Contents

Bidding process

On May 31, 1973, San Juan was the only candidate city to be a finalist to host the games and thus, San Juan was then selected to host the VIII Pan American Games by PASO at its general assembly in Santiago, Chile. [3] [4] [5]

The Games

Sports

Medal count

RankNationGoldSilverBronzeTotal
1Flag of the United States.svg  United States 1269545266
2Flag of Cuba.svg  Cuba 644734145
3Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 244371138
4Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina 1271736
5Flag of Brazil (1968-1992).svg  Brazil 9131739
Totals (5 entries)235205184624
Note

^ The medal count for Canada is disputed.

Mascot

Coqui, the first Pan American Games mascot 1979 Pan American Games Mascot.svg
Coqui, the first Pan American Games mascot

The 1979 Games were the first one to feature a mascot, which was a running frog holding a torch named Coqui. [6]

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Athletics competitions at the 1979 Pan American Games in San Juan were held from July 7 to 14 at the Estadio Sixto Escobar.

Archery competitions at the 1979 Pan American Games in San Juan were held from July 2 to 6 at the Archery Range in the University of Puerto Rico. Archery was included for the first time at the Pan American Games.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bids for the 1979 Pan American Games</span>

Two cities submitted bids to host the 1979 Pan American Games that were recognized by the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO). However, Bolivia dropped out of the race, leaving San Juan as the only candidate city. On May 31, 1973, San Juan was selected to host the VIII Pan American Games by PASO at its general assembly in Santiago, Chile.

The men's 100 metres sprint competition of the athletics events at the 1979 Pan American Games took place on 7 and 8 July at the Estadio Sixto Escobar. The defending Pan American Games champion was Silvio Leonard of Cuba.

The women's long jump competition of the athletics events at the 1979 Pan American Games took place on 8 July at the Estadio Sixto Escobar. The defending Pan American Games champion was Ana Alexander of Cuba.

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References

  1. Boswell, Thomas (July 11, 1979). "Cuba Nine In a Class By Itself". The Washington Post . Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  2. Krastev, Todor. "Men Volleyball Panamerican Games 1979 Caguas (PUR) - 02-13.07 Winner Cuba". Todor66.com. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  3. "Belle Époque: San Juan 1979". ESPN Deportes (in Spanish). July 4, 2015. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  4. "Los VIII Juegos Panamericanos de San Juan son un evento que no se olvida" [The VIII Pan-American Games of San Juan is an event that is not forgotten]. Primera Hora (in Spanish). June 30, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  5. "Puerto Rico hará Panamericanos" [Puerto Rico has Panamerican]. El Tiempo (in Spanish). Santiago, Chile. Associated Press. June 1, 1973. p. 1-C. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  6. "PAN AMERICAN GAMES SAN JUAN 1979 - MEDALS TABLE PAN AM 1979 - Pan American Games - San Juan Puerto Rico 1979". Quadrodemedalhas.com. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
Preceded by VIII Pan American Games
San Juan

(1979)
Succeeded by