Cardona verified in detail the Mondo athletic track (Class 2), the stadium field, the throwing and jumping areas, the accessibility of the stage, the place for the installation of the photo-finish and timing systems, as well as the areas for warm-up, recovery and transit of Para-athletes. Also, together with the organization, he reviewed the operational flows, services for delegations, press areas and areas for technical staff.
“After the technical visit to the sports scenario and the joint work with the different areas of the organization, we can say that everything is ready to have a very good competition. The track is a Mondo Class 2, mat type and is in very good condition, that is, as a legacy of the Bolivarian Games it is in perfect condition, meets international standards and is fully adequate for the needs of Para athletics of the Parasuramerican Games. The stage is endorsed and ready to receive the Valledupar 2026 competitions”, said the DTI.
Expert with extensive international background
Giovanni Cardona Gómez is a recognized Colombian official linked to World Para Athletics, with more than 25 years of experience in the sport. He began his technical-sports career in 1997 and specialized in Para athletics since 2006, accumulating a solid trajectory as a trainer, judge and technical official in multiple competitions of the Paralympic cycle. He is currently part of the international panel of technical officials 2023-2026 of this Paralympic sport federation, where he is officially listed for the Americas Region (continent), which accredits him as one of the international delegates authorized to endorse scenarios, supervise competitions and ensure compliance with technical standards in continental events.
Also the Para athletics ITD for the Parasuramerican Games Valledupar 2026 has been instructor in international trainings in several countries of the hemisphere, among them different days for judges and technical officials in which they update and reinforce the rules for the officials that would participate in different Para athletics events.
A stage for 138 gold medals
The José Luis Parada Stadium, certified by the International Para Athletics Federation, has modern, accessible and adequate infrastructure to receive the track and field events that will deliver 138 gold medals, making this sport one of the most competitive and numerous of the Parasuramerican program, which will involve 185 athletes from the twelve participating countries in Valledupar 2026. With the technical approval of World Para Athletics, the Valledupar 2026 Parasuramerican Games are making steady progress in their preparation, consolidating the capital of Cesar as a territory ready to receive the continent with inclusion, sporting excellence and the highest standards of the Paralympic movement.
