Sports programme confirmed for 2017 Youth Parapan American Games

The Americas Paralympic Committee (APC) has announced that the 2017 Youth Parapan American Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil, will feature 12 sports, two more than the 2013 edition, with CP Football and sitting volleyball added to the sports programme.

The 12 sports for the event, which will take place between 20-25 March 2017, are: athletics, boccia, football 5-a-side, goalball, judo, powerlifting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis and CP Football. 

Around 1,000 athletes, ages 12-21 years old, are expected to compete in the fourth edition of the Youth Parapan American Games, an increase on the 631 youngsters who took part in the 2013 Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  The Games will be organised by the Brazilian Paralympic Committee and the majority of sport events will be held at their new Paralympic Training Centre in Sao Paulo.

Jose Luis Campo, President of the Americas Paralympic Committee, said: “Since the first edition of the Parapan American Youth Games in 2005 in Venezuela, they have grown in size and stature each time.

“The confirmation of the 12 sports for the 2017 edition will ensure that these Games will be the biggest Youth Parapan American Games ever staged.

“We are delighted to welcome CP Football and sitting volleyball to the sports programme as it is important that youngsters get the opportunity to experience competition at the highest level.

“By staging this event in Brazil, we aim to build on the legacy of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and encourage more youngsters in the continent to try and compete in para-sport.”

Andrew Parsons, President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee and IPC Vice President, said: "To have more sports added to the programme of the 2017 Youth Parapan American Games is an important step to keep promoting para-sports in Brazil and the continent following the Rio 2016 Games. The fact the event will be held in the new Paralympic Training Centre in Sao Paulo makes us proud of the legacy and the impact the Games have in our country.

"The 2016 Paralympic Games will inspire the new generations as we expect to have even more young athletes from all countries in the region."