Panam Sports – Asunción, Paraguay, April 30, 2025, – In an emotional ceremony at the Ignacio A. Pane Municipal Theatre in Asunción, Paraguay, the medals for the II Junior Pan American Games were unveiled.
The medals, which were created inspired by the guaranía, a musical expression that embodies the Paraguayan soul, have the score of Jejuí (first guarania) in their design.
As the sun set over the heart of the Mother of Cities, the iconic Ignacio A. Pane Municipal Theatre welcomed guests to a special evening that celebrated culture, history, and sport. In a ceremony filled with symbolism, one of the most anticipated emblems of the Games was revealed: the official medal of the Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025 – a piece that honors Paraguay’s soul and identity.
During this symbolic evening, with words shared by Camilo Pérez López Moreira, President of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee and IOC member; Neven Illic, President of Panam Sports; and César Ramírez Caje, Minister of Sports, the most emblematic symbol of the event was officially unveiled: the medal of the Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025.
Inspired by the guaranía, a musical expression that embodies the Paraguayan soul, the medal was presented alongside an emotional reinterpretation of Jejuí, the first guaranía composed by José Asunción Flores, the father of the genre.
With just 100 days to go before the most important youth sporting event of the continent, Asunción is preparing to welcome hundreds of young athletes who will chase Olympic glory and seal their dreams with the highest honor worn on their chest: the medal.
Medals: From Inspiration And Design To A Symbol Of Continental Sport
One hundred years ago, in Asunción, a young José Asunción Flores, at just 21, composed a piece whose emotional depth and lyrical beauty would come to define the Paraguayan spirit. He translated the emotions of an entire people into song, immortalising the Paraguayan soul in the form of the guarania. This legacy, now recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, was the starting point for designing the ASU2025 medal.
The Local Organising Committee, in collaboration with biographer Antonio Pecci – who provided invaluable insights into Flores’ life – and with the brilliant work of María Victoria Sosa Zárate, Director of the Asunción Symphony Orchestra, who succeeded in visually translating the score of Jejuí – the first guaranía – into the official design of the medal. After countless hours of research and design, the medal took shape with a minimalist aesthetic, deeply rooted in the cultural identity of Paraguay.
The front of the medal begins with the characteristic 6/8 tempo of the guaranía and continues with the musical notes of Jejuí, engraved within the staff that circles most of the medal’s edge. On the back, the inscription reads: “Tribute to the Centennial of the Guaranía: Jejuí.” This icon will accompany each athlete as a reminder that Asunción was a turning point on their path to glory – just as it was for the creator of the genre that represents us.
Jejuí x ASU2025
As part of this tribute, Jejuí was reinterpreted by the National Symphony Orchestra. This moving version was performed live during the gala, filling the Ignacio A. Pane Municipal Theatre with its sound. A renewed rendition that conveys the strength and energy that will define the Junior Pan American Games Asunción 2025.
In total, 1,077 medals will be awarded at ASU2025: 333 gold, 333 silver, and 411 bronze.
The Junior Pan American Games will officially open in Asunción on August 9 and run through August 23, bringing together over 4,000 athletes from across the continent to make history.
Earlier this year, ASU2025 launched its build-up campaign: “The Heart In The Games.”
About Panam Sports
The Pan American Sports Organization (Panam Sports) is the leader of sport and the Olympic Movement in the Americas. We propel the development of sport and support our 41 member National Olympic Committees to inspire more participation in international competitions as well as participation of the youth to prepare the generation to come in our region.
Panam Sports works closely with athletes, National Olympic Committees (NOC), Organizing Committees of all regional games, Pan American Sport Confederations, International Federations (IF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to secure the success and celebration of our main event, the Pan American Games.
For the latest news and updates about Panam Sports, visit our website www.panamsports.org. Follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube @PanamSports
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