Works to be built in Lima for hosting the 2019 Pan American Games will contribute to the country's economic growth in coming years, Economy and Finance Minister Alfredo Thorne affirmed on Wednesday.
The government official thus dismissed remarks that preparation towards the athletic competition takes funds away from relief efforts for rain-hit population across the country.
"We must be careful not to mix things up. The Pan American Games budget for this year is merely S/600 million [about US$182.37 million], which is not enough for [flooding] victims," Thorne stressed in a press conference.
In this respect, he urged authorities to keep their minds open to the relevance of hosting such a major sporting event.
"Peru's issues are not only economic; it also faces crime, unemployment and mental health problems. In this context, it is suitable to put more emphasis on sports, which tackle these problems," he explained.
To conclude, the finance head underlined the key role sports play in our lives, as well as their contribution to keeping children and youngsters away from drugs.
The entire Lima 2019 Pan American Games project demands an investment of S/4.125 billion (about US$1.254 billion).
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