1970 Bolivarian Games
The VI Bolivarian Games (Spanish: Juegos Bolivarianos) were a multi-sport event held between August 22 - September 6, 1970, at the Estadio Olímpico del Complejo Polideportivo in Maracaibo, Venezuela. The Games were organized by the Bolivarian Sports Organization (ODEBO).
| Host city | Maracaibo |
|---|---|
| Country | Venezuela |
| Nations | 6 |
| Athletes | 1122 |
| Events | 17 sports |
| Opening | August 22, 1970 |
| Closing | September 6, 1970 |
| Opened by | Rafael Caldera |
| Athlete's Oath | Brígido Iriarte |
| Torch lighter | José "Pachencho" Romero |
| Main venue | Estadio Olímpico del Complejo Polideportivo |
The Games were officially opened by Venezuelan president Rafael Caldera. Torch lighter was javelin thrower José "Pachencho" Romero, who won the first gold medal ever in athletics for Venezuela at the 1947–48 Bolivarian Games. The olympic stadium in Maracaibo was later named after him. The athlete's oath was sworn by athlete Brígido Iriarte, who the gold medal in pentathlon at the 1951 Bolivarian Games.
A detailed history of the early editions of the Bolivarian Games between 1938 and 1989 was published in a book written (in Spanish) by José Gamarra Zorrilla, former president of the Bolivian Olympic Committee, and first president (1976-1982) of ODESUR. Gold medal winners from Ecuador were published by the Comité Olímpico Ecuatoriano.