What are Pan American Games? When are They Held?

Pan American Games, sometimes simply referred to as Pan Am Games, is among the largest multi-sport events in the world today. Ever since its inception in the mid-1900s, it has grown to become one of the most widely recognized events in the world. More than three dozen nations from North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean, participate in it to showcase their talent.

From the origin of the event and the myriad of games played in it to when it is held, let's explore every detail about the mutli-game sports event in the world.

The Origin 

Although the first Pan American Games took place in 1951, the history of the sporting event dates almost two decades back. During the Olympic Congress of 1924, Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico, members of the International Olympics Committee, proposed a regional event involving Central American countries, and two years later, the first Central American Games were organized in Mexico City. During the Los Angeles Olympic Games of 1932, the proposal to hold regional games throughout the America was put forward, which gave rise to what we know today as Pan Am Games. The first event was to be organized in 1942, but since the entire world was engaged in a war, it had to be postponed by almost a decade.

(Image Courtesy: USA Basketball)

When are Pan Am Games Held?

Just like Olympics, Pan Am Games are held every four years in the year before Olympics, as have been so ever since the first Pan Am Games in 1951 without exception. The most recent edition of the sporting event was held in 2015 in Toronto, and the upcoming one, which will be observed as the 18th Pan American Games are to be held from 26 July to 11 August in Lima, Peru.

(Image Courtesy: CBC Archives)

Who Takes Part?

In the first Pan Am Games, more than 2500 athletes originating from 22 countries participated. Over time, the event has blown up, and today, 42 nations from North, South and Central America as well as the Caribbean take part in it to showcase the talent of their athletes. It's participating nations include Argentina, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, Panama, Venezuela, Uruguay, Bolivia, Cuba and the United States of America.

(Image Courtesy: VICE Sports)

What are the Sports?

The number of sports included in the sporting event has grown with time. By the time the 11th Pan Am Games were held in Cuba in 1991, the sports count had expanded to include basketball, baseball, archery, boxing, bowling, cycling, fencing, diving, shooting, rowing, and judo. Some other sports that are a part of the event are table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, water polo, wrestling, roller skating and yachting.

(Image Courtesy: The New York Athletic Club)

Well, there you have it, everything you need to know about Pan American Games. Share your thoughts and opinions on the topic through the comments in the section below and cast your vote in the interesting poll what we have created for you.

(Featured Image Courtesy: Wikipedia)