ICYMI: Team USA Celebrates The Start Of The Pan American Games And More From Open Ceremony In Lima

(C) Kathleen Sharkey carries the American flag at Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games Lima 2019 on July 26, 2019 in Lima, Peru.

The Pan American Games Lima 2019 have officially kicked off following the Opening Ceremony at the Estadio Nacional in Lima, Peru. The games will go from July 26 to Aug. 11 featuring over 600 Team USA athletes, with 12 sports up for qualification opportunities for the upcoming Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

From USA Field Hockey supporting its athlete and Team USA flag bearer Kathleen Sharkey to excitement posts about the Opening Ceremony’s performer, Luis Fonsi, there was no shortage of social media craze surrounding Day One of Lima 2019.

Team USA will be looking to repeat its success from the Pan American Games Toronto 2015, where its athletes took home an event-high 265 medals in Toronto, Canada. 

Download the Team USA app today to keep up with Lima 2019 and all your favorite sports, plus access to videos, Olympic and Paralympic team bios, and more.

Check out today’s Pan Ams’ buzz from Twitter and Instagram.

Kathleen Sharkey Bears The Flag

Field hockey player Kathleen Sharkey was announced to be Team USA’s Opening Ceremony flag bearer just yesterday. She is the first field hockey player to ever carry the flag at the Pan American games.

What does it feel like to be the flag bearer for your country? Well, Kathleen Sharkey discusses.

Proud of our flag bearer, and now it's time for the games to begin!

National Governing Bodies Show Some Love

There was no shortage of support being shown from the teams for their athletes. 

Opening Ceremony Starts With A Peruvian Party

Lima, Peru made sure that the beginning of the Pan American Games Lima 2019 was one to remember. Complete with a color changing mountain in the middle of the field and plenty and song and dance, the Games were a party for everyone who attended. Here are a few of our favorite photos.

People dance at the Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games Lima 2019 on July 26, 2019 in Lima, Peru

People dance at the Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games Lima 2019 on July 26, 2019 in Lima, Peru

Cecilia Tait lights the torch to signify the start of the Pan American Games Lima 2019 on July 26, 2019 in Lima, Peru

Fireworks are set off at Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games Lima 2019 on July 26, 2019 in Lima, Peru.
 

Game Time

While Opening Ceremony on Friday night marked the official start of the Games, there were a few competitions that took place prior to the ceremony.  Softball, rugby and beach volleyball were among the sports that got things started off on the right foot.