Pullaro: South American Games mark new era for Santa Fe | OneFootball

The governor led the presentation of the summer agenda in Pinamar on the road to Santa Fe 2026, and assured that the event is part of a new phase for the province, with more opportunities for young people and a historic investment in sports infrastructure. “This is the greatest challenge of our administration. It involves time, investment, infrastructure works. But above all, it means the future,” emphasized Maximiliano Pullaro.

The Government of the Province of Santa Fe presented this Sunday in the city of Pinamar the summer agenda for the 2026 South American Games, kicking off a series of promotional activities on the Atlantic Coast and other tourist destinations in the country, with the aim of bringing the sporting event closer to the public and strengthening its national and international projection.

The presentation took place at Balneario CR, where the public had the chance to meet “Capi,” the official mascot of the Games, and participate in various recreational and sports activities organized by the Province, as well as enjoy a musical performance by Sofi Gazaniga.

The South American Games will be held between September 12 and 26, 2026, in the cities of Santa Fe, Rosario, and Rafaela, with the participation of more than 4,000 athletes from 15 countries in 60 disciplines. Attendance is expected to exceed 2 million in-person spectators and another 2 million via television broadcasts and digital platforms.

During the presentation, Governor Maximiliano Pullaro highlighted the profound significance for the province of hosting this international event: “Santa Fe went through very tough times for a long period. We had very serious problems with violence and crime, and we understood that if we worked together and weren’t afraid of the mafias, things could change. Today, the province has changed and Rosario has been reborn, it has become peaceful. We are living in a different era and we want to leave a legacy connected to the South American Games and, fundamentally, to the sports infrastructure that will remain throughout the province.”

In this context, the governor emphasized that the decision to organize the Games is part of a forward-looking policy: “This is the greatest challenge of our administration. It involves time, investment, infrastructure works. But above all, it means the future; showing our boys and girls that the path is through sports, effort, and teamwork. We want Santa Fe to be the sports capital of the Argentine Republic.”

The Games, a sports festival for the region

For his part, the president of the Argentine Olympic Committee and first vice president of Odesur, Mario Moccia, explained the scope of the event: “The South American Games are a multi-sport event held every four years, with the participation of 15 South American countries. In this case, Santa Fe has an unprecedented responsibility: to organize them in three cities. We will bring together more than 4,000 athletes, in 60 disciplines, and 27. In addition, they will qualify for the Lima 2027 Pan American Games. It is a huge opportunity for Argentine sports.”

Moccia also emphasized the long-term impact that hosting the event will have: “This decision transforms the province: it leaves behind infrastructure, equipment, human resource training, and a legacy that will allow Santa Fe to host future international events. This puts Santa Fe at the forefront among Argentine provinces in organizing this type of competition.”

“The South American Games are not just about sports. There is a cultural, educational, and environmental program. We bring the Games to schools to transmit values, shape behavior, and build a healthier and better society,” Moccia highlighted.

Games present on the Atlantic Coast

The launch in Pinamar marked the beginning of a schedule of activities that the Provincial Government will carry out throughout the summer in popular tourist destinations. Between January 4 and 6, the Province is setting up an inflatable stadium with recreational and sports activities, along with the permanent presence of the official mascot of the Games.

The activities include Siamese handball, volleyball with parachutes, inflatable soccer, frog races, rugby, tennis with a giant ball, and multiple games designed for the whole family. During January and February, these activations will continue to travel to different points along the Atlantic Coast and other tourist cities.

Olympic Beach, a central action on the road to 2026

Additionally, during the summer, “Olympic Beach—On the Road to the South American Games Santa Fe 2026” is being held, an initiative of the Argentine Olympic Committee that extends through Mar del Plata, Pinamar, Cariló, Chapadmalal, Miramar, Villa Gesell, Rosario, and Concepción del Uruguay, with competitions and exhibitions of beach handball, volleyball, beach soccer, kite, surfing, canoeing, and cultural, recreational, and environmental awareness activities.

Olympic Beach serves as a bridge between the national sports agenda and Santa Fe’s projection as host of the 2026 Games, strengthening the Olympic identity and the connection between sports, community, and development.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.