31 January 2025 – The President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, was in Lausanne today to visit International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach. They discussed the country’s ambitious sports development plans, including a proposal to host the Youth Olympic Games.
Also present at the meeting were Paraguayan Olympic Committee President and IOC Member Camilo Pérez López Moreira; the Minister of Sport, César Ramírez; two-time Team Paraguay Olympic rower Alejandra Alonso, who also competed at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games; the Minister of Foreign Affairs; and the Minister of Industry and Commerce.
During the meeting, President Peña expressed his full support, and that of his government, for Paraguay’s bid to host a future edition of the Youth Olympic Games, which he said, “would mark a significant milestone in the country’s reputation as a leading sports destination”.
Paraguay has already been confirmed as the host of an opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2030. In 2022, it hosted the South American Games, and in August this year it will welcome the II Junior Pan-American Games. These events have driven the development of sports infrastructure in the country, including the impressive Paraguayan Olympic Park, which President Bach visited last year during his visit to the PanAm Sports General Assembly in Asunción.
During the meeting, President Peña said: “We are determined to build on our extensive experience in hosting impactful and sustainable events. We are committed to building a better future for our young people, and hosting the Youth Olympic Games would support this mission. We want the Games to be more than just a sporting event; we envision them as a purpose-driven festival that integrates sports, cultural exchange, education and the Olympic values, while also serving as a platform to advance young athletes’ careers both in and beyond sport.”
President Peña also reaffirmed “Paraguay’s belief in the power of sport to build stronger and more united communities, as well as its determination to contribute to the Olympic Movement, which, under President Bach’s leadership, has strengthened its global social impact as a force for peace and unity”.
President Bach welcomed Paraguay’s interest in the Youth Olympic Games and praised President Peña’s “clear vision for sport in his nation and a strong understanding of how sport can transform lives, and particularly those of young people”.
“During the visit I could witness the very positive development of sport in Paraguay and its great social impact,” said President Bach.
“With Paraguay’s firm belief in the power of sport to shape a better world for future generations and in the long-term socio-economic benefits of hosting international sports events, the IOC looks forward to continuing the discussions with the Paraguayan Olympic Committee and following the development of its project,” he added.
During the visit, the two leaders also toured the Olympic Museum, to see some of Paraguay’s achievements in the Olympic Movement.
