South American Games

What are the South American Games?

The South American Games (Juegos Suramericanos) are the continental multi-sport games of South America, gathering the national teams of the ODESUR member countries every four years across an Olympic-style program of 30-plus sports.^[1] [2]

Who organizes the South American Games?

ODESUR (Organización Deportiva Suramericana), the association of South America's National Olympic Committees, owns the Games and stages them with host organizing committees, within the Americas' Olympic structure alongside Panam Sports.^[1] [3]

When and where are they held?

Every four years, in the middle year between Pan American Games. The 13th edition takes place in Argentina — Santa Fe, Rosario and Rafaela — 12–26 September 2026.^[2] [3]

The Panam Sports Channel broadcasts the Santa Fe 2026 Games globally.^[4]

Since when do they exist?

The first South American Games were held in La Paz in 1978, growing out of the earlier Cruz del Sur games tradition; they have run on a four-year cycle since.^[1]

How do athletes qualify?

Entry runs through the National Olympic Committees of the ODESUR member countries, within per-sport quotas and technical rules set with the federations. In several sports, results carry qualification value toward the Pan American Games and continental rankings.^[1] [3]

Why do the South American Games matter?

They are South America's own continental games — a national-team title one step below the Pan American level, contested by full delegations from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Chile, Peru and the rest of the continent. Medals are established international honors within the region's Olympic pathway.^[1] [2]

Who competes?

National teams of the ODESUR member NOCs — several thousand athletes at recent editions, from Olympic medalists to emerging talents using the Games as a senior international debut.^[2] [3]