Santiago Welcomes the 39th FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine

The 39th FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine officially opened in Santiago, Chile, with a distinguished Opening Ceremony held at the InterContinental Santiago Hotel on 24 September 2026. The event brought together leading representatives from international sport, sports medicine, government institutions, and the global scientific community.

Hosted by Dr. Claudia Pérez Lindermann, Past President of the Chilean Society of Sports Medicine, the ceremony welcomed several distinguished guests and authorities, including Prof. Fabio Pigozzi, President of FIMS and President of the FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine Santiago 2026; Dr. Marcelo Sajuria Garcés, President of the Local Organizing Committee and Co-President of the Congress; Francisco Riveros Cantuarias, Minister of Sport of Chile; Nicole Sáez Pañero, General Manager of the Santiago Regional Development Corporation, representing the Governor of Santiago, Claudio Orrego Larraín; and Sebastián Villavicencio Villagra, President of the Chilean Paralympic Committee (COPACHI).

The ceremony began with the National Anthem of Chile, performed by the Musical Band of the Chilean Air Force, followed by the official Congress video, highlighting the vision, values, and legacy of the FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine.

In his address, Chile's Minister of Sport, Francisco Riveros Cantuarias, underscored the significance of hosting a major international congress dedicated to sports medicine and sports sciences, reaffirming Chile's commitment to athlete health, physical activity, and scientific innovation in sport.

Remarks were also delivered by Nicole Sáez Pañero on behalf of the Regional Government of Santiago and by Sebastián Villavicencio Villagra, who emphasized the growing importance of sports medicine in supporting athletes at all levels, including Paralympic sport.

The cultural programme featured performances by the Musical Band of the Chilean Air Force, celebrating Chilean heritage and adding a distinctive local dimension to the opening celebrations.

Welcoming participants from around the world, Dr. Marcelo Sajuria Garcés expressed his gratitude to the many institutions, partners, and individuals whose collaboration made the Congress possible. He also welcomed delegates, researchers, clinicians, and sports professionals gathered in Santiago for this landmark event.

Speaking on behalf of the international sports medicine community, Prof. Fabio Pigozzi highlighted the Congress as a unique platform for scientific exchange, education, and international cooperation. He emphasized the vital role of sports medicine in protecting athlete health, enhancing performance, and promoting physical activity as a cornerstone of global public health.

The Opening Ceremony concluded with an official photograph of the Congress authorities and guests, followed by a final musical performance by the Chilean Air Force Dixie Band.

Over the coming days, the 39th FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine will bring together leading experts, researchers, healthcare professionals, and sports leaders from across the globe to discuss the latest advances in sports medicine, exercise science, athlete health, and physical activity promotion, reinforcing FIMS' mission to advance health through sport worldwide.