CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ten days really fly by when you’re having fun, and that sentiment was in the air at the farewell ceremony Sunday for the Pan-American Masters Games. Over 100 athletes representing dozens of countries gathered outside of the Huntington Convention Center in downtown Cleveland to celebrate not only their victories, but also the spirit of unity that the games inspired. The games are the flagship event of the International Masters Games Association, hosted this year by the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.
Thousands of athletes, 30 years old and over, and spectators from around the world traveled to Cleveland for the multisport event. During the closing ceremony, a short video played showing highlights of some of the competitions, which covered 23 different sports like tennis, bowling, rowing, swimming, soccer, volleyball and more. “We are so grateful that you made the visit from all over the world, and we welcome you back always,” Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said during the ceremony.
“You bring the world to us, and we learn from you. From the bottom of my heart thank you, we appreciate you.” David Gilbert, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland, also spoke and thanked the partners, volunteers and participants for helping to bring the event to life.
“It’s been an incredible 10 days. What people may not know is when you see an event taking place, it was years of planning and thousands of people. It’s all for your experience,” Gilbert said.
One of the many people who had the chance to experience the first Pan-Am games in the U.S. was Alexandra Pardo Policastro Natalense from Brazil.
“It was wonderful,” Pardo Policastro Natalense, who competed in swimming and archery told cleveland.com. “I have made a lot of friends here.
” She called Cleveland a “beautiful city,” adding that she really enjoyed walking around downtown and hiking in the Metroparks. There were also athletes who hoped to inspire others, including a Mexican runner who was an amputee. He proudly sported a sombrero and the Mexican flag after competing in a marathon prior to the ceremony.
Keryl Rustin of West Virginia had also competed in the marathon, taking the top spot in the 10K for women in the 74-79 age range. Rustin, who is blind, said she hoped to be an inspiration to others. “I want to also be a motivation for people who are visually impaired and blind, and for all people who are physically and mentally challenged to excel in whatever endeavor they choose,” she continued.
“Go for it.” Rustin went on to thank her guide, Jae Russell of Cleveland, whom she met just two days prior to the race. “She was the one who actually inspired and motivated me to compete in this 10K,” Rustin said.
In addition to her accolades at the marathon, Russell added that Rustin became the oldest person to get to the top of a 40-foot rock climbing wall at Cleveland Rocks. Rustin said her first visit to Cleveland has left an indelible impression on her. “This is one of the most incredible, friendliest, courteous places that I’ve ever been,” she said.
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