For the First Time the Latin American Physics Olympics Will Be Hosted by Ministry of Education in Dominican Republic

For the First Time the Latin American Physics Olympics Will Be Hosted by Ministry of Education in Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic 09/23/2013

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Education (MINERD in Spanish), the 18th Latin American Physics Olympics 2013 got underway last Monday, being held here for the first time. The idea is to stimulate and promote the study of science as well as the development of skilled pre-university students.

Offering the opening words of the event, General Curriculum Director, Carmen Sánchez, representing the Minister of Education, Carlos AmaranteBaret, welcomed the international delegates and congratulated themfor being part of the enriching experience.

The opening act of the international event, which will go until September 29th, took place in the auditorium of the Mother and Teacher Pontifical Catholic University (PCMM in Spanish) at 10:00 am. Representatives from 19 countries of the region participated.

Offering the opening words of the event, General Curriculum Director, Carmen Sánchez, representing the Minister of Education, Carlos AmaranteBaret, welcomed the international delegates and congratulated themfor being part of the enriching experience.

“All of you constitute a dignified representation of true human, scientific, ethical and civic values in the quest for equality, inclusion and improving quality of life. As as young people, you help us look forward, with our heads proudly held high, toa promising and hopeful future,” she expressed.

The Dean of the PCMM’s Sciences and Humanities Department, David Álvarez, who spoke in name of the rector of the university, Monsignor AgripinoNúñezCollado, underscored the importance of deepening our understanding of science as a fundamental mechanism for the greater development and dignity of the Latin American people.

Meanwhile, Víctor Hugo Hammity, president of the Permanent Secretariat of the Latin American Physics Olympics, in his words of motivation said that these Olympics are important for the future professional lives of the participating students. He encouraged the students to give their maximum effort during the competition.

Delegations form participating countries include 66 students, 39 teachers and 14 observers and companions. The winners of the tournament will receive gold, silver and bronze medals for first, second and third place.

The competition, which seeks to motivate the development and capability involved in studying Physics, also aims to promote the exchange of experiences while deepening friendships between the participating countries. It also seeks to follow up on the recommendations made by UNESCO in 1989 to promote competitions that contribute to supporting talent and science among young people.

Each country participates by sending a maximum of four students.In the case of the Dominican Republic, they have made a pre-selection of 100 students out of 800 who took the exam.Students from public and private schools are participating.Those selected were trained over a period of three months in pre-college and college level Physics to see which of them possess the type of critical thinking and logic necessary to compete.

Those present at the opening ceremony included Ligia Henríquez, coordinator of MINERD’s Impact Program Office; Miledys Alberto Then, Dean of the Science Department at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD); Félix Cid, president of the Olympics Organizing Committee; Hector Lid, president of the Dominican Physics Society and  FélixMartínezGuzmán, research professor at the UASD, who was in charge of the Socio-Economic Impact of Earthquakes in the Dominican Republic.

Students taking part in the 18th Latin American Physics Olympics carrying the flags from their countries at the opening event of the competition.