Cleveland was the proud host of the 2024 Pan-American Masters Games from July 12-21, 2024. A major event of the International Masters Games Association, the Games offer an opportunity to showcase competitive spirit and athletic ability of masters athletes on a global stage. Thousands of athletes from 6 continents (sorry Antarctica), 48 states and more than 70 countries came to Cleveland in a celebration of health, vitality, friendship and an active lifestyle at any age. Participants competed in 24 medal-contending sports including track and field, tennis, basketball, archery, volleyball, pickleball, softball, baseball, rowing, squash, table tennis, badminton, karate, cycling, curling, triathlon and more.
See Videos and Photos of Athletes and Competitions
The Welcoming Celebration on Saturday July 13, 2024 included a Parade of Athletes from Cleveland's Public Square to Mall C for the ceremony. Before the Parade athletes gathered on Public Square by sport. 
Pan Am Masters Games athletes from Mongolia
Canadian Pan Am Masters Games Athletes Parading to Mall C
See Photos and Videos of the gathering on Public Square
See Photos and Videos of the Parade to Mall C
Once the athletes reached Mall C, local representatives from the 70 or so communities carried the flag of the country down the High-5 Tunnel. Then the athletes were called up by sport and began to fill up Mall C. They were led by the John Marshall HS drum line. There was music, food, fun and a brief welcoming ceremony that included the Athlete's Oath, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, Sergey Bubka, David Gilbert and others. 
Pan Am Masters Games 2024 Welcoming Ceremony
There was an opportunity to Meet and Greet with ten-time world champion, Olympic Gold Medalist and 35-time world record holder Sergey Bubka. As a pole vaulter, Mr. Bubka was the first pole vaulter to clear 6.0 meters and 6.10 meters. He held the indoor world record of 6.15 meters for almost 21 years. Mr. Bubka is currently the president of the International Masters Games Association.
PAMG Community Day was held on Monday July 15 at Aura at Innovation Square in Cleveland. At a ceremony, six multi-purpose fitness machines were installed to support social and emotional health and wellness opportunities for people of all ages.
A Rock and Roll Party was held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum on Tuesday evening July 16. Guests toured the exhibits, ate and drank great food, danced to a DJ and were able to try guitars, drums, etc. in the hands-on room.
PAMG Executive Director Rachael Stentz-Baugher at Rock Hall
Athletes visited Progressive Field Friday evening as the Cleveland Guardians defeated the San Diego Padres followed by Fireworks! You could hear PAMG cowbells throughout the ballpark!
First Pitch by PAMG's Makoto Chogahara
On Saturday July 20, there was a World on Stage Concert in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. The event included performances from 3 continents - the Kwan Family Lion Dance, the PIAST Polish Folk Ensemble and the Djapo African Drummers and Dancers.There was also a brief ceremony for the 24 trees that were planted in the Cultural Gardens as a legacy of the Cleveland PAMG.
Tree Dedication Ribbon Cutting
Photos and videos of the World on Stage event
Kwan Family Lion Dance
See photos and videos of the Kwan Family Lion Dance
PIAST Polish Dancers
Djapo Cultural Institute dancers and drummers
See photos and videos of all the Djapo dances and drumming
The Farewell Ceremony took place on Sunday July 21 at the finish line of the Road Race 10K, Half Marathon and Community 5K. Athletes gathered to get their medals and step up on the medal stand.
Colombian athlete
Brief remarks were given by leaders and sponsors.
Cleveland PAMG closing ceremony remarks
Farewell Ceremony Athletes Photo Page
It was a bittersweet moment as the thousands of athletes and visitors who had been competitors and companions for 10 days headed back to their homes. Many will meet again in 2025 in Taipei Taiwan.
One thing for sure. Thanks to the hard work of the Cleveland PAMG team led by David Gilbert and Rachael Stentz-Baugher, all the visitors had a great time in The Land. We can't wait till they come back for a visit.
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