Uruguay has sent roughly 240 athletes to the 11th South American Games in Bolivia, a diverse delegation betting on gender equality in sports.
Sports Secretary Fernando Caceres told EFE on Tuesday that both the Uruguayan Olympic Committee and his department aim to guarantee the participation by at least one man and one woman in each of the sporting disciplines.
The entire delegation was present during the event, which kicked-off with the national anthem and ended with the acceptance of the Uruguayan flag by yachtswoman Lola Moreira, reports EFE news agency.
Caceres said that his hopes are focused on the national soccer team, led by coach Fabian Coito, as well as on flag-bearer Moreira.
He also highlighted long-jumper Emiliano Lasa, who he described as the "Uruguayan athlete with the best chances in the history of the Olympic Games".
The 11th edition of the South American Games will take place from May 26-June 8, 2018, and will feature 14 countries competing in 377 events across 35 sports.
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