Suramerican Flame Ignited in Bolivia Ahead of Santa Fe 2026 Games

With just one month remaining until the XIII South American Games Santa Fe 2026 commence, the symbolic Suramerican Flame was ignited in Tiwanaku, Bolivia. This traditional ceremony marks the beginning of the journey towards the continental multi-sport event, which Argentina will host.

The event gathered authorities from the South American Sports Organization (ODESUR) and the local Organizing Committee. Mario Moccia, president of the Argentine Olympic Committee (COA) and ODESUR, a key proponent of Argentina's bid to host the games, was present. Representatives from Santa Fe 2026, including former Olympic artistic swimmer Sofía Sánchez and Aldo Duboe, who head Protocol and Sports areas respectively, were tasked with transporting the flame to Argentine soil.

Members of the ODESUR Monitoring Commission, including Treasurer Marco Arze, Executive Director Mario Cilenti, Chancellor Raquel Sapienza, and Communications Officer Habib Domínguez, also attended the protocol activities and the lighting of the flame. This ritual, which unites the past, present, and future of continental sports, officially begins the final countdown for the games to be held in Santa Fe, Rosario, and Rafaela.

"The lighting of the Suramerican Flame represents much more than a tradition. It is the symbol of the union of our countries, it represents the brotherhood of South America, through sport and the beginning of a path that will lead us to a great continental celebration in Santa Fe 2026," stated Moccia. He highlighted the institutional significance of the moment and the efforts made to reach this stage. ODESUR chose the sacred site of Tiwanaku, honoring the sun, earth, and the region's rich history, continuing a ritual that originated in 1978 with the first South American Games in La Paz.

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The lighting of the Suramerican Flame represents much more than a tradition. It is the symbol of the union of our countries, it represents the brotherhood of South America, through sport and the beginning of a path that will lead us to a great continental celebration in Santa Fe 2026.