Bach travelled to the Chilean capital, which is due to host the Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games today, from the IOC Session in Mumbai.

The plaque recognised the 75-year anniversary of Panam Sports, previously the Pan American Sports Organization.

"It is wonderful to be surrounded by the Panam Sports community again, especially in such exciting moments as on the eve of the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games," Bach said. 

"This is also a year of anniversaries, many of its National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are turning 100 years old, in addition to Panam Sports which celebrates 75 years of sporting excellence in the Americas. 

"Your anniversaries are not just milestones for your continent, they are milestones for the entire Olympic Movement. 

"I extend my congratulations and thanks to all of you, the NOCs and especially Panam Sports led by Neven Ilic, for everything you do to promote sport and the Olympic Spirit."

Panam Sports President Ilic, himself a Chilean, welcomed Bach to the General Assembly.

"Chile will have the opportunity to see sport in another way, to see sport as a tool, as a path to improve youth, to improve values, to improve society," he said.

"That is the great legacy, the great pride that these Pan American and Parapan American Games are going to leave behind. 

"Chile has delivered President Bach, we are very happy and have great expectations for the beginning of these Pan American Games and we thank you for flying from Mumbai to be with us today."

The General Assembly also heard a presentation from the Organising Committee for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion.