Bolivarian Games
The Bolivarian Games are a multi-sport competition involving athletes from Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela. The games attract these countries top athletes to compete in events similar to those at the Olympics. The purpose of these games are to inspire unity through sport amongst the Bolivarian countries.
The first Bolivarian Games were held in 1938 in Bogotá, Colombia, in celebration of the city’s 400th year anniversary. They have been held every four years since 1973.
In 2010, the Bolivarian Sports Organization (Organización Deportiva Bolivariana, ODEBO) announced Chile as its 7th member. This organization is a sub-organization for the Pan American Sports Organization. There is also a Beach version of the Games, held since 2012, and there will be a Youth Games in 2020.
In regards to the medals earned, Peru was once the dominant country until the 1960s. Now, Venezuela dominates the games.
Interesting Fact: The Bolivarian Games serve to commemorate Simón Bolívar, aka “El Libertador.” Simón was the leader of many independence movements throughout South America during a period of conflicts that came to be called Bolívar’s War. Eventually, liberty was achieved for the countries of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia where he is now revered as their hero.
Next Games
- 2019 IV Beach Games, in Vargas Venezuela 22–30 Nov 2019.
- 2021 - XIX Games in Valles del Tuy, Venezuela.
- 2020 - the first Youth Games, in Sucre, Bolivia.
Related Pages
- Other International Multi-Events
- About the discontinued ALBA Games, organized by the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA).
- About Sport in Bolivia
- Multi-Sport Events (Games) Calendar
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