The 2023 Pan American Games kicked off late last month in Santiago, Chile — marking the first time that Chile hosts the Games.
Some 470 Canadian athletes are competing in 39 sports and 61 disciplines over the three-week competition including North Delta’s Ryan Decenzo, who competed in the skateboarding event.
Decenzo grew up in North Delta and got his start in skateboarding on the skate parks in Ladner and Tsawwassen.
He credits his love of the sport to fellow British Colombian skateboarder, Paul Machnau, who mentored him early in his career. Although now living in California, he is still so proud to “hawk” the Canadian red and white colours wherever he is competing worldwide, including at these Pan American Games.
Delta MP and Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, the Hon. Carla Qualtrough, attended the Pan Am Opening ceremonies and two days of sport competition in support of Team Canada athletes.
She was very excited to connect with Decenzo after watching his fourth-place finish in the Men’s Street Finals. They discussed his days in North Delta, including his time at Seaquam Secondary.
“It was incredible to watch Ryan compete in Chile,” said Qualtrough. “He is really a pioneer in his sport, inspiring young people around the world to follow their dreams. It was evident that he is proud of his roots in Delta…and we are certainly proud of him.”
