Weightlifting is one of the disciplines with the longest history in the South American Games, and a new chapter will be written from 14 to 17 September at the Club Atlético Provincial in Rosario.
This week, all the equipment and infrastructure for this sport – which will form part of the programme for the XIII South American Games, Santa Fe 2026 – were received. All the equipment has been certified in accordance with the requirements of the South American Sports Organisation (ODESUR) and the protocols established by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Eugenia Palillo, Logistics and Operations Coordinator for the Local Organising Committee of the South American Games, explained that “this is a significant shipment – a 40-foot container that has arrived from Norway, very well packed in boxes. It consists entirely of sports equipment and materials that will remain as a wonderful legacy for future international competitions”.
“The shipment contains all the fixed bars, the weights, the entire special lifting platform, the magnesium for the lifters, the training floor and a special covering,” Palillo listed.
Furthermore, the official noted that “we have been receiving shipments in Santa Fe for other sports such as athletics, rowing and open-water swimming; and we will also be receiving equipment in Rafaela; as part of an effort we have been coordinating very effectively with the local councils”. Eugenia Palillo added that assembly work at the various sports venues will begin in early August.
It is worth noting that the Province is allocating more than 90 million dollars to works related to the 2026 South American Games, which includes external funding of 75 million dollars provided by CAF (Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean), as well as contributions from the provincial Treasury.
Significant impact on tourism and the economy
Alejandra Mattheus, Secretary for Sport and Tourism at Rosario City Council, highlighted the legacy of the infrastructure projects that will benefit all the people of Santa Fe. “These represent new opportunities for each of the cities and for the province as a whole – to attract more sporting tournaments and to inspire young people to take up sport,” she said.
Mattheus also highlighted the significant impact on tourism and the economy that Rosario will experience, noting that “we are working with and training the sector – from taxi drivers to hoteliers and restaurant owners – because we understand that this will be the most important sporting event of the year across the whole country, and the city must rise to the occasion”.
“Rosario has come third in the national ranking of international events, so we are working hard alongside the private sector and the Provincial Government to ensure that Rosario can shine and show the whole country that the province of Santa Fe is a productive and enterprising province,” added Alejandra Matthues.
A sport of strength and technique
The weightlifting competitions will be held in the adult category. Competitors must be at least 15 years old in the year of the competition, and all athletes whose National Olympic Committees are affiliated to ODESUR or whose national federations are affiliated to the South American Weightlifting Confederation (CSLP) are eligible to take part.
In accordance with the tournament format, it was specified that each lifter must be weighed before the start of the event. The athlete has three attempts and must perform a single movement to lift the barbell from the floor to full extension of both arms above the head.
Each country may enter a maximum of eight male athletes and eight female athletes, with one lifter per category. The competitions will serve as qualifiers for the 2027 Pan American Games.
