Panama is preparing for the IV South American Youth Games, taking place from April 12 to 25. This is the first major multi-sport event of the Olympic cycle hosted by the country in 16 years. The total budget for the games is $30 million, $5 million more than initially planned. These additional funds were necessary for the large-scale modernization of sports facilities. At the Fred Maduro National Tennis Center, $3 million was invested in new grandstand seating and LED lighting. A warm-up pool was added to the Aquatics Center, and the Luis Tejada High Performance Center (CAR) was equipped with air conditioning and an electronic timing system. The Emilio Royo Stadium, the venue for flag football, now features an automated line-marking system. The opening ceremony, estimated to cost $1.8 million, will kick off 13 days of sporting events and serve as a benchmark for the entire project. Around 2,000 athletes and 750 officials from 15 countries are expected to participate. The games are projected to have an economic impact of $75 to $90 million and have created 237 direct jobs, 95% of which are held by Panamanians. The successful execution of these games could pave the way for a formal bid to host the 2029 Junior Pan American Games.
