The Bolivarian Flame Ignites in Caracas on the Road to Lima–Ayacucho 2025

This Saturday, in a ceremony filled with symbolism and emotion, the Bolivarian Flame was lit at the Birthplace of the Liberator Simón Bolívar in Caracas, marking the beginning of its journey toward the 20th Bolivarian Games Lima–Ayacucho 2025, to be held from November 22 to December 7 in Peru.

The event brought together distinguished sports and government authorities, including Baltazar Medina, President of the Bolivarian Sports Organization (ODEBO); Renzo Manyari, President of the Peruvian Olympic Committee; María Soto, President of the Venezuelan Olympic Committee; Franklin Cardillo, Minister of Sport; and Carmen Meléndez, Mayor of the Libertador Municipality—joined by athletes who will compete in the upcoming Games.

The flame will travel through several iconic sites in Caracas before departing for Peru, carrying with it the message of brotherhood, unity, and continental pride that defines the Bolivarian Movement.

Inspiration and Commitment

During the ceremony, Baltazar Medina highlighted the profound symbolism of keeping this sporting tradition alive:

“Maintaining this tradition of lighting the sporting flame carries a double meaning. First, because the Bolivarian Games were created in 1938 to preserve, in our nations, the memory of the Liberator Simón Bolívar. We must never forget the blood shed by the heroes of our independence. And second, because the lighting of the sporting flame is an Olympic tradition, a symbol of beginning, hope, and unity.”

The ODEBO President also emphasized the message that the Bolivarian Flame conveys to the Peruvian people:

“Through this journey, we send a message to the Peruvian people and to all Bolivarian sport: we are beginning our great encounter of brotherhood and fraternity through sport.”

For her part, María Soto, President of the Venezuelan Olympic Committee, expressed with pride and emotion the meaning of the ceremony for the host country:

“Today, at the foot of the most beautiful statue of our Liberator, we must reaffirm our commitment to fight for our flag and carry a message of unity, loyalty, passion, and dedication. We go to the Bolivarian Games to represent our nations with pride and solidarity. With or without medals, our athletes are our heroes. We’re going all in.”

The Legacy Burns On

The Bolivarian Games Lima–Ayacucho 2025 will bring together more than 4,000 athletes from 17 countries, including ODEBO members and invited nations. These are the only multidisciplinary Games in the world named after a national hero, and they will mark the beginning of the new Olympic cycle leading up to Los Angeles 2028.

The Opening Ceremony will take place on November 22 at the Estadio Las Américas in Ayacucho.