The ceremony was led by Valle del Cauca Governor Clara Luz Roldan, with athletes, officials and media in attendance.

It was part of a weekend event that began with light shows on Friday (October 22) and Saturday (October 23) night before the finale.

Lake Calima was illuminated with the colours of Colombia's and the state's flags before the fireworks officially started the one-month countdown.

"We are one month away from Valle del Cauca writing a new chapter in the rich sporting history of the Americas with this great event that signals a rebirth for the region with a competition that will allow us to show why we are invincible," said Roldan.

"We want to tell the entire continent that we are ready, that we have prepared ourselves with discipline, love and leadership, to receive everyone in this land made of pure gold.

"The time has come to once again feel proud of who we are, to confirm that we are great because we are capable of everything.

"We are going to show the world that we are a land of champions.

"With my soul filled with pride, I want to ask our young people to fly high because the world is theirs."

Musician, Hendrix B, made a surprise appearance on a boat to perform Por Nostros, meaning "for us".

The inaugural Junior Pan American Games are scheduled to take place from November 25 to December 5, with approximately 3,500 athletes from 41 countries participating.

Cali beat Santa Ana in El Salvador and Mexico's Monterrey to win hosting rights of the competition.