| VIII Pan American Games | |
| Size: | 150 |
| Host: | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Nations: | 34 |
| Athletes: | 3,700 |
| Events: | 250 in 24 sports |
| Opening: | July 1 |
| Closing: | July 15 |
| Opened By: | Governor Carlos Romero Barceló |
| Torch Label: | Cauldron lighter |
| Torch Lighter: | Cynthia Guadalupe |
| Stadium: | Hiram Bithorn Stadium |
| Previous: | 1975 Mexico City |
The 1979 Pan American Games, officially the VIII Pan American Games (Spanish; Castilian: VIII Juegos Panamericanos) and commonly known as San Juan 1979, were a multi-sport event governed by the Panam Sports Organization (PASO), and were held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from July 1 to July 15, 1979. Volleyball and some baseball matches were held in Caguas, Puerto Rico.[1] [2] The 1980 documentary film A Step Away showcased a number of athletes competing in the Games.
See main article: Bids for the 1979 Pan American Games. On May 31, 1973, San Juan was the only candidate city to be a finalist to host the games and thus, San Juan was then selected to host the VIII Pan American Games by PASO at its general assembly in Santiago, Chile.[3] [4] [5]
See main article: 1979 Pan American Games medal table.
The 1979 Games were the first one to feature a mascot, which was a running frog holding a torch named Coqui.[6]