President Piñera inaugurates the National Stadium Sports Center and the first phase of the new Parque de la Ciudadanía civic park
In his speech the President urged Chileans to “get involved in these South American Games. Come to the opening ceremony, fill the many stadiums and venues that we have lovingly built and inaugurated, and make this an unforgettable celebration.”
He highlighted that the Parque de la Ciudadanía “is an emblematic place for the residents of Ñuñoa and the surrounding neighborhoods” and will benefit more than two million people.
The President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera, accompanied by Sports Minister Gabriel Ruiz-Tagle, inaugurated the National Stadium Sports Center and the first phase of the new Parque de la Ciudadanía civic park at noon today. The venues are both part of the Bicentenary Legacy Plan.
During the ceremony, the President explained that, in preparation for the opening ceremony of the Santiago 2014 South American Games on Friday March 7, “we have done everything possible to make this a celebration for the athletes and for the general public.”
He spoke of his administration’s investment in sports infrastructure, highlighting that “in addition to 13 professional stadiums, 160 mini stadiums and 30 sports centers, we have also invested in infrastructure for these South American Games.”
He also noted that “the Aquatics Center, which is a world class facility, the velodrome and today this Sports Center, which rivals the best in the world”, have all been inaugurated.
The President added that “the infrastructure is in place, the organization is in place, all that remains now is for our athletes to come forward on behalf of Chile and make us proud, and for our fellow Chileans to join in, get involved and transform this event into the people’s celebration.”
He also highlighted that the first phase of the Parque de la Ciudadanía “is now at the service of the residents of Ñuñoa and the surrounding neighborhoods” and will benefit more than two million people.
Finally, President Piñera urged his fellow Chileans to support the athletes in the South American Games and invited everyone to take part in “the opening ceremony, to fill the many stadiums and sporting venues that we have lovingly built and inaugurated, and make this an unforgettable celebration.”