Regional stars eye continental glory as archery makes historic Para South American Games debut

Para archery will make its Para South American Games debut when competition takes place from 13-15 July at the Armando Maestre Pavajeau Stadium in Valledupar, Colombia.

The 2026 edition marks the return of the Para South American Games after a 12-year hiatus following the inaugural event in Santiago, Chile, in 2014. 

More than 1,000 athletes from 11 nations are competing in Valledupar 2026 across 13 sports, with para archery featuring on the programme for the first time. A total of 50 para archers from eight countries will contest 13 gold medals across men's and women's recurve, compound, W1 and visually impaired categories.

Brazil arrives with the largest delegation, fielding 12 athletes across all four classes - recurve, compound, W1 and visually impaired categories, while hosts Colombia will be represented by 10 archers.

The Brazilian squad features several established international names, including Paralympian and 2024 Pan American Para Championships champion Reinaldo Vagner Charao Ferreira and world number 10 Helena Nunes de Moraes, who helped Brazil win the women's team silver medal at the 2023 World Archery Para Championships in Pilsen.

The home hopes will rest on world number 11 Héctor Julio Ramírez, the Para Pan American Games bronze medallist who was also part of the Colombian men's team that claimed silver at Santiago 2023.

The competition represents another milestone for Para archery in the Americas, with the sport continuing to expand its presence at major continental multi-sport events.

Key information

What’s happening?
The second edition of the Para South American Games takes place from 13-15 July in Valledupar, Colombia, marking the event's return 12 years after its inaugural edition in Santiago, Chile. Para archery competition will be held at the Armando Maestre Pavajeau Stadium.

What’s at stake?
Thirteen gold medals, continental pride and a place in history at the first-ever Para archery competition at the Para South American Games.

Who’s competing?
A total of 50 athletes from eight nations: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela.

What’s the story?
Para archery will make its historic debut at the Para South American Games in Valledupar, joining five other sports being introduced to the programme as the event continues to expand.

Schedule

• Monday 13 July: Qualifying and mixed team finals
• Tuesday 14 July: Eliminations and team finals
• Wednesday 15 July: Individual finals

How to watch

Live scores will be available throughout the week on the World Archery website, along with coverage across World Archery’s digital platforms. 

The event will not be livestreamed.

Who’s competing?

These are notable para archers competing at Valledupar 2026:

• Recurve men: Héctor Julio Ramírez, Colombia (world rank: 11)
• Recurve women: Daniela Cecilia Campos Marzano, Peru (world rank: 10)
• Compound men: Reinaldo Vagner Charao Ferreira, Brazil (world rank: 21)
• Compound women: Helena Nunes de Moraes, Brazil (world rank: 10)
• W1 men: Eugenio Santana Franco, Brazil (world rank: 8)
• W1 women: Juliana Cristina Ferreira Da Silva, Brazil (world rank: 8)

Competition at the Valledupar 2026 Para South American Games begins with qualifying on Monday.