2002 South American Games
The VII South American Games (Spanish: Juegos Sudamericanos; Portuguese: Jogos Sul-Americanos) were a multi-sport event held in 2002 in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba, and Belém; all in Brazil. The Games were organized by the South American Sports Organization (ODESUR).
2002 South American Games logo | |
| Host city | Belém, Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo |
|---|---|
| Country | Brazil |
| Nations | 14 |
| Athletes | 2,069 |
| Events | 24 sports |
| Opening | August 1, 2002 |
| Closing | August 11, 2002 |
| Opened by | Almir Gabriel |
| Torch lighter | Dayse Silva |
| Main venue | Estádio do Mangueirão |
In Belém, the games were officially opened by the governor of the state of Pará, Almir Gabriel. Torch lighter was bowler Dayse Silva.
Originally awarded to Córdoba, Argentina, the Games were moved to Bogotá, Colombia, following an economic crisis in Argentina. Later, violence between the Colombian government and guerrillas caused Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Venezuela to threaten to leave the Games, which resulted in the relocation to Brazil. Colombia boycoted the games in a protest of this decision.