Latin American Astronomy Olympiad promotes science for youth in Panama

The promotion of science, mathematics, and creativity among young people will be the objective of the XIV Latin American Astronomy and Astronautics Olympiad (OLAA Panama 2022), which will host between October 3 and 7 in Panama to representatives from about 20 countries, reported Tuesday, August 23, the organization of the event.

The launching of the activity took place this Tuesday at the City of Knowledge, a complex for knowledge and business development and headquarters of international organizations, which was developed in an area on the east bank of the Panama Canal, in the Panamanian capital.

The National Secretariat organized the meeting for Science, Technology, and Innovation (SENACYT), the City of Knowledge Foundation (FCDS), and the National Center for Space Sciences of Panama (CENACEP).

The organization highlighted in a press release the importance of holding this meeting in person after it was held virtually for two years amid restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jorge Arosemena, executive president of the City of Knowledge Foundation, highlighted in statements to the local TV channel TVN the importance of the national and international space in the complex as a venue for knowledge and its application, “to be able to face the great challenges of the 21st century”.

He explained that the City of Knowledge is the ideal place to hold this event as the space is part of the former U.S. military base Clayton, which was closed in 1999 in compliance with the Torrijos-Carter Treaties to become a space for knowledge and innovation.

“We are happy to welcome all Latin American participants to this great youthful celebration of science, astronomy, and astronautics,” said Arosemena.

According to the organizers, during the Olympiad, the young people will take tests of theoretical and practical knowledge about space sciences, individually and in groups made up of students from different Latin American countries.

In addition, students must pass observation tests that include locating stars in a planetarium or in the open sky and the rocketry test, consisting of making rockets made of recyclable materials propelled by water and air.

Madeleine Rojas, president of OLAA Panama 2022 and executive director of CENACEP, made clear the celebration’s objectives:

“It is an honor for Panama to develop this Olympiad that seeks to promote the study of Astronomy, Astronautics, and related sciences among young people, in addition to promoting among participants the exchange of knowledge and the spirit of peaceful coexistence,” she said.

Along the same lines, SENACYT’s Director of Innovation in Science and Technology Learning, María Heller, said that ten students between 16 and 18 years old will represent Panama in the Olympiad and that they passed through a filter of 40 students, who had to pass challenges similar to those that will take place in the Olympics.

With information from Xinhua