The ceremony began at the iconic Rotonda del Cruce Internacional, where local officials and members of the community gathered to welcome the Flame. From there, a three-kilometer relay wound through the city’s main streets, led by twenty torchbearers representing a wide spectrum of the community. Among them were departmental, municipal, and educational authorities, as well as athletes who have qualified for the Games, including César Alejandro Cáceres and José Miguel Barrios.
Standing out among the dignitaries were Marcelo Soto, Governor of Caaguazú; Marcos Benítez, Mayor of Coronel Oviedo; and Yidam Veneroso, the official coordinator of the Torch Relay. They were joined by national and regional representatives, sports leaders, and members of the ASU2025 organizing staff, transforming the day into a vibrant institutional and civic celebration.
During the central ceremony, Yidam Veneroso addressed the crowd with words that captured the spirit of the moment. “This flame is uniting all of Paraguay in one common spirit. Each department we visit deepens the sense of national pride these Games awaken. In Caaguazú, we felt the warmth of the people, the joy of their athletes, and the commitment of their leaders. ASU2025 is a dream that we are building together.”
The relay concluded at the Departmental Coliseum El Cerrito, where the Flame was greeted with honors by the Military Band of the Second Infantry Division. A brief official ceremony followed, featuring local authorities and representatives of the sports community, closing the event with enthusiasm and a renewed sense of collective purpose.
The Journey of the Pan American Flame
To date, the Pan American Flame has traveled across much of Paraguay, spreading its message of unity and hope through eleven departments: Itapúa, Presidente Hayes, Misiones, Boquerón, Paraguarí, Alto Paraguay, Caazapá, Concepción, Guairá, Amambay, and now Caaguazú. At each stop, it has been welcomed with open arms by local communities, athletes, and authorities alike, all joining in celebration of this historic moment.
In the coming days, the Flame will continue its passage through Canindeyú and Alto Paraná before making its way to the capital city, where it will officially ignite the spirit of the II Junior Pan American Games ASU2025. Scheduled to take place from August 9 to 23, the Games will bring together more than 4,000 athletes from across the continent, solidifying Paraguay’s role as host of one of the most anticipated sporting events in the Americas.
Join us, feel the energy of the Junior Pan American Games, and let’s make history together!
