What are the Bolivarian Games?
The Bolivarian Games are the regional multi-sport games of the Bolivarian nations — the countries historically tied to Simón Bolívar's legacy: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela, joined at recent editions by invited nations such as Chile, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.[1] [2] First held in 1938, they are among the oldest regional games in the Americas.[2]
Who organizes the Bolivarian Games?
ODEBO (Organización Deportiva Bolivariana), the association of the Bolivarian countries' National Olympic Committees, owns the Games; each edition is staged with the host NOC and organizing committee, within the Panam Sports family of events.[2] [3]
When and where are they held?
Roughly every four years, rotating among the member countries. The most recent edition was held in Lima and Ayacucho, Peru, 22 November – 7 December 2025 — Peru's fifth time hosting.[1] [4]
| Season | Pool / Format | Host cities |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | Lima–Ayacucho (PER), 22 Nov–7 Dec |
| 2024 | — | Ayacucho (PER) — special Bicentennial edition |
| 2022 | — | Valledupar (COL) |
| 2017 | — | Santa Marta (COL) |
| 2013 | — | Trujillo (PER) |
| 2009 | — | Sucre (BOL) |
| 2005 | — | Armenia–Pereira (COL) |
| 2001 | — | Ambato (ECU) |
| 1997 | — | Arequipa (PER) |
| 1938 | 1st | Bogotá (COL) — inaugural edition |
A special Bicentennial edition was also held in Ayacucho in December 2024, marking 200 years since the Battle of Ayacucho.[1]
Since when do they exist?
The first Bolivarian Games were held in Bogotá in 1938, created within the Olympic movement to unite the Bolivarian nations in sport; the series has continued for nearly nine decades.[2]
How do athletes qualify?
Entry runs through the member National Olympic Committees, which select and enter national teams under per-sport quotas. For many sports the Bolivarian Games open the region's games cycle — results feed toward the South American Games, Pan American Games and beyond.[2] [3]
Why do the Bolivarian Games matter?
For athletes of the Bolivarian nations, the Games are a national-team international title with an 85-year history and the first step of the Americas' games ladder. Fields at Lima–Ayacucho 2025 included Olympic and Pan American medalists from across the region.[1] [4]
Who competes?
National teams of the Bolivarian countries plus invited nations — several thousand athletes across dozens of sports at recent editions.[1] [2]
References
- Panam Sports — Seven things about the Bolivarian Games Ayacucho–Lima 2025. Accessed August 2026.
- Wikipedia — 2025 Bolivarian Games (background). Accessed August 2026.
- FEI — Bolivarian Games 2025, Ayacucho and Lima. Accessed August 2026.
- Panam Sports — Peru prepares for the 2025 Ayacucho–Lima Bolivarian Games. Accessed August 2026.