Athletes from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and host nation Costa Rica will go head-to-head in athletics, goalball, powerlifting, swimming and wheelchair basketball.

Athletics events will take place at Costa Rica's recently completed National Stadium; the $100 million (£65 million/€75 million) 35,000-capacity stadium in La Sabana Metropolitan Park, which was gifted to the nation by the Chinese Government.

The National Gymnasium will host basketball, boccia, powerlifting and goalball, as the María del Milagro Paris pool will stage swimming events.

Athletes from the host nation were sworn in by Costa Rica's first female President, Laura Chinchilla, on Wednesday (April 10)

"I have no doubt that you will reap much success and that will make us proud again," said Chinchilla.

"Congratulations to all the athletes who have given this fight with their families and coaches."

"And, with great pride, we note that we have the largest delegation in history" she added.

The event is due to last until April 21.

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