The fourth APC Coordination Commission visit took place over three days ©Lima 2019

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) chief executive Xavier Gonzalez has claimed progress has been made by Lima 2019 but said there was much work to be done by the Parapan American Games organisers.

Gonzalez made the claim after attending the fourth Americas Paralympic Committee (APC) Coordination Commission visit to the Peruvian capital.

The delegation also included APC President Jose Luis Campo and Lima 2019 President Carlos Neuhaus.

"It was a fruitful visit to Lima and there has been an improvement in terms of infrastructure since the last time we came here," said Gonzalez.

"We are satisfied with the facilities they have projected, especially with the accessibility of the Parapan American Village.

"We are convinced this is going to be a successful Games, the region has been growing a lot over the last years.

"We see Lima 2019 as an opportunity to grow.

"With over two years to go, there is still much work to do, but the professionalism shown by the people here makes us feel confident the Parapan Ams will be another step forward."

The delegation were reportedly "satisfied" with the improvements made over the last months and the commitment shown by the city.

Peru's President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski pledged to support Lima 2019 after meeting with new Pan American Sports Organization President Neven Ilic earlier this month.

Serious concerns had been raised regarding the Pan American Games in two years' time, including construction progress at the Athletes' Village and other key venues.

The Americas Paralympic Committee claimed progress has been made by Lima 2019 ©Getty Images
The Americas Paralympic Committee claimed progress has been made by Lima 2019 ©Getty Images

Poor leadership from organisers and a lack of individuals clearly responsible for key areas, including marketing and technology, has also been highlighted.

The APC and IPC delegation spoke to Lima 2019 on a series of issues.

Topics included facilities, accessibility, logistics, marketing, communications, classification, operations, technical aspects of the sports, infrastructure and medical services.

Campo claimed they still had high hopes for the sixth edition of the Games.

"This will be another chance for Para-athletes from the region to showcase their abilities and leave behind a more accessible city with more opportunities for people with impairment," he said.

"Lima 2019 will leave a great legacy for all Peruvians.

"We want the Games to help improve the quality of life of people in Peru.

"We had Latin America's first Paralympic Games in Rio, Brazil, in 2016, and the biggest Youth Parapans in São Paulo, Brazil, earlier this year.

"It is undoubted that the region is undergoing a steady growth."