XV 2007 Pan-American Games in Rio de Janeiro

Earlier this week, the Pan-American Games torch was lit in the Teotihuacán Pyramids, Mexico, carrying on a tradition that goes back to 1951, when the first torch was lit in Greece to kick off the first Pan-American Games that were held in Buenos Aires that year. Over the next month, the torch will make its way down through Brazil, arriving in Rio de Janeiro for the Opening Ceremonies of the Pan-American Games on July 13th.

Held every four years, always one year before the Summer Olympic Games, the Pan American Games are a continental version of the Olympic Games, which includes both Olympic sports and other disciplines. During 16 days, 5,662 athletes from 42 countries in the Americas will be after their best results on the courts, tracks, fields and swimming pools of Rio.

The opening ceremonies will take place in Maracanã soccer stadium, which was originally built for the 1950 World Cup, and will include an Olympic-style performance by over 7,000 choreographed dancers. Details are so secretive that even the seamstresses had to sign confidentiality agreements. A schedule of events and tickets are available on the official website: www.rio2007.org.br and will also be available for sale at ticket booths around Rio beginning July 1st. Event tickets range from R$10 – R$120. The hardest tickets to obtain will be for the sports closest to Brazilian's hearts: soccer, volleyball and basketball. For other events taking place in Rio de Janeiro, see our Calendar of Events.