MARIO MOCCIA, PRESIDENT OF ODESUR: “WE ARE HAPPY AND PROUD; THE GAMES HAVE BECOME PART OF THE PEOPLE’S DNA”

Share

After 15 days of competition and excitement, the XIII South American Games Santa Fe 2026 have come to a close. And the overall outcome is tremendously positive for everyone—not only in terms of sports but also in terms of legacy. New infrastructure and an enthusiastic crowd that filled every sports venue were undoubtedly the highlights of this event. The president of ODESUR shares his perspective on this unforgettable celebration.

For many, these have been the largest South American Games in history. And they’re not wrong, because the numbers don’t lie. The thirteenth edition of this multisport event featured the largest number of athletes ever seen, with more than 4,000 athletes taking center stage at this celebration.

But if we add to that figure the more than 2.5 million people who attended the competitions and the Fan Fests, we have, without a doubt, the biggest Games of all time. 

That’s why the authorities’ assessment is overwhelmingly positive. If there’s one thing that stood out and was on everyone’s lips, it’s that there wasn’t a single sports venue or grandstand that wasn’t packed with people during the Games. 

In all three cities—Rosario, Rafaela, and Santa Fe—the crowds filled every venue, but not only that: they also cheered on all the athletes, making them feel right at home.

“The people have been fantastic. The entire stadium packed with fans cheering on the athletes, children asking us for photos and autographs—it’s an experience we’ll never forget,” said Brazilian Alison Dos Santos, the world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles, in more than one interview.

“Competing in front of packed stands has motivated all of us athletes. I want to thank the entire audience for their support, for cheering us on nonstop, and for being part of this spectacular sporting celebration,” said Candelaria Cuadrado, an archer on the Argentine national handball team, after winning the gold medal.

MARIO MOCCIA: “WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THESE GAMES”

These were very grueling days for the head of South American sports. He visited every city that hosted the Games and tried to attend as many competitions as possible and spend time with the region’s athletes.

You can see the fatigue on his face, but the happiness and pride of a mission accomplished make up for any lack of energy after intense weeks and months of work.

What is your assessment, Mr. President, of these 2026 Santa Fe South American Games?
The assessment is extremely positive. We are happy, proud, and more than satisfied with the organization of these Games. The three host cities—Rosario, Santa Fe, and Rafaela—operated at full capacity, packed with spectators every day. From day one until today, as we wrap up this event—and we’re truly closing out with a massive turnout. We surpassed 2.5 million attendees, including spectators, Fan Fest participants, and tour-goers. But more importantly than the numbers, I think it was the people’s behavior, their enthusiasm, and their respect. Everyone was happy and content. I believe the Games have become part of people’s DNA, and that’s priceless. We’d actually had a very good experience at the 2022 South American Youth Games in Rosario. But this one far surpasses it in terms of scale. And most importantly, there’s also the legacy it leaves behind.

A great preview of what the 2029 Junior Pan American Games will be like…
Yes, of course. We’re happy about everything these Games have left behind and happy to dream about what’s coming next—the 2029 Junior Pan American Games. So, it’s truly a positive outcome from a sporting perspective: excellent conduct and excellent results. 

And as president of the Argentine Olympic Committee, I imagine you’re also very pleased with the results…
Yes, of course. I’m absolutely thrilled with our medal count as well. I’m happy and very proud of how our athletes have represented Argentina at these Games. A very positive outcome, athletically speaking, for our country, and that makes me very happy and grateful to the entire delegation—athletes, coaches, officials, staff, and so on.

For many, these are the greatest Games in history. Do you agree with that statement?
Well, I think they’re very good Games; I really do. I don’t know—it’s hard for me to say they’re the greatest in history because I’m Argentine; I don’t want to come across as exaggerating. But honestly, based on what people are saying, I have two objective points to make: they’re the largest South American Games in terms of the number of sports disciplines, and they had the largest audience. And those two things are true. And then I think we’re proud—for me, the Games were fantastic, a complete celebration from the opening ceremony, which surprised us all and filled us with pride because of the production, despite the cold and just how moving it was, right through to the events of each day in every competition. So our assessment is outstanding.

Who would you like to thank, Mr. President?
Well, infinite thanks to the athletes for bringing us this celebration of South American sports in every single discipline, on every single day, and for sharing all their warmth, all their skill, and, of course, their dedication. To the volunteers, I am infinitely grateful for all the support you gave us every day, in every task you were assigned, and to the authorities—from the governor down to each of the mayors—I am grateful for your commitment, your contributions, your dedication, and all the work you’ve done to make these Games the celebration we’ve all been able to experience.

Finally, what message would you like to share with the fans who filled every sports venue?
Thank you so much—we’re happy to have shared the Games with them because they were the source of the warmth we all felt every day, at every competition, and the joy of being able to, well, obviously enjoy each event in a packed stadium. That gives the athletes an extra boost too; they’re motivated in a different way when they feel the support of the crowd. Truly, our deepest thanks go to the entire Province of Santa Fe for turning out in such large numbers for every activity held during the Games—whether they were competitions, extra-curricular events, Fan Fests, or anything else that took place throughout these days marking the 13th South American Games in history.