Bolivarian Games
The Bolivarian Games are a regional multi-sport event held in honour of Simón Bolívar – known as "El Libertador", The Liberato. Simón Bolívar was the leader of several independence movements throughout South America, collectively known as Bolívar's War and he is to this day credited with leading the fight for independence in what are now the countries of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia, he is revered as a hero in these countries and throughout much of the rest of Hispanic America. Hence, the event is open to the 6 countries liberated by Bolívar or those born from these.
The first Games were held in 1938 in Bogotá, Colombia for the city's 400th anniversary. They have since been held irregularly, but every four years since 1973, with the last edition in Armenia and Pereira in Colombia in 2005.
The Bolivarian Games are organised by the Bolivarian Sports Organization (ODEBO).
In order to participate, all athletes must entered by their National Olympic Committee. While all Equestrian sports are conducted in accordance with the FEI Rules. At the Bolivarian games, the equestrian disciplines concerned are Jumping and Dressage
Host cities
- 1938 – 1st Bolivarian Games, Bogotá (Colombia)
- 1947/48 – 2nd Bolivarian Games, Lima (Peru)
- 1951 – 3rd Bolivarian Games, Caracas (Venezuela)
- 1961 – 4th Bolivarian Games, Barranquilla (Colombia)
- 1965 – 5th Bolivarian Games, Quito and Guayaquil (Ecuador)
- 1970 – 6th Bolivarian Games, Maracaibo (Venezuela)
- 1973 – 7th Bolivarian Games, Panama City (Panama)
- 1977 – 8th Bolivarian Games, La Paz (Bolivia)
- 1981 – 9th Bolivarian Games, Barquisimeto (Venezuela)
- 1985 – 10th Bolivarian Games, Cuenca (Ecuador) Jumping / Dressage
- 1989 – 11th Bolivarian Games, Caracas (Venezuela) Jumping / Dressage
- 1993 – 12th Bolivarian Games, Santa Cruz (Bolivia) Jumping
- 1997 – 13th Bolivarian Games, Lima (Peru) Jumping / Dressage
- 2001 – 14th Bolivarian Games, Quito (Ecuador) Jumping / Dressage / Eventing
- 2005 – 15th Bolivarian Games, Bogotá (Colombia) Jumping / Dressage
For further information on the Bolivarian Games, please visit the following website: http://www.juegosbolivarianos2005.gov.co