2006 South American Games
The VIII South American Games (Spanish: Juegos Sudamericanos; Portuguese: Jogos Sul-Americanos) were a multi-sport event held from 9 to 19 November 2006 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with some events taking place in Mar del Plata (canoeing, cycling, futsal, handball, roller sports, rowing, triathlon). An appraisal of the games and detailed medal lists were published elsewhere, emphasizing the results of the Argentinian teams.
The official logo of the Buenos Aires South American Games. | |
| Host city | Buenos Aires |
|---|---|
| Country | Argentina |
| Nations | 15 |
| Athletes | 2,770 |
| Events | 28 sports |
| Opening | November 9, 2006 |
| Closing | November 19, 2006 |
| Opened by | Néstor Kirchner |
| Torch lighter | Carlos Espínola |
| Main venue | Estadio del Parque Roca |
The Games were organized by the South American Sports Organization (ODESUR), who awarded the Games to the city with 10 votes over the bids by previous hosts Cuenca, Ecuador (3 votes) and Lima, Peru (1 vote).
The Games were originally awarded to the first edition host La Paz, Bolivia, but this decision was retracted following domestic instability in Bolivia during 2005. This country did not participate in the subsequent selection process after ODESUR denied its request to reconsider the decision.
Torch lighter at the Estadio del Parque Roca was multiple Olympic medalist, windsurfer Carlos Espínola.