Five finalists for flag bearers at Santiago 2023 Pan American Games
By The Star Staff
Basketball player Pamela Rosado, judo athlete María Pérez, swimmer Yeziel Morales, table tennis player Melanie Díaz and archer Jean Pizarro were chosen on Monday by the executive committee of the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee (COPUR by its Spanish acronym) as finalists to be flag bearers in the Puerto Rican delegation that will compete in the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.
It will be the first time that an island delegation in the Pan American Games will include two flag bearers, in order to comply with the rule stipulated by the International Olympic Committee requiring the selection of one woman and one man.
Those finally chosen will be announced at COPUR’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 6:30 p.m. The secret voting mechanism will be used.
The presentation of the Puerto Rico delegation with the flag bearers will be on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 5 p.m. in the Hall of the Presidents at Casa Olímpica in Old San Juan.
In the previous edition of the Pan American Games, Lima 2019, Puerto Rico won 24 medals (five gold, five silver and 14 bronze). In 18 Pan American Games, Puerto Rican delegations have won 266 medals: 23 gold, 85 silver and 148 bronze. The Santiago 2023 Pan American Games -- which will mark Chile’s first time as host of the hemispheric competition -- will run from Oct. 20 to Nov. 5.