| Host | Mar del Plata, Argentina |
|---|---|
| Nations | 42 |
| Athletes | 5,144 |
| Events | 309 in 34sports |
| Opening | March 12 |
| Closing | March 26 |
| Opened by | PresidentCarlos Menem |
| Cauldron lighter | Nora Vega |
| Main venue | Estadio José María Minella |
The1995 Pan American Games, officially known as theXII Pan American Games (Spanish:XII Juegos Panamericanos) and commonly known asMar del Plata 1995, were held inMar del Plata,Argentina, from 12 to 26 March 1995. After 44 years, this was thePan American Games' first return to the country that hosted the first Games, in1951.
The seaside resort city of Mar del Plata hosted the XII Pan American Games. The city of 600,000 is located 400 km south ofBuenos Aires. Welcoming 5,144 athletes from 42 countries of PASO community, events were held in 34 different sports. The Games were held early by Northern Hemisphere standards, but at the end of summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
Organizers spread the 1995 games throughout Argentina, includingBuenos Aires,Parana, and Mar del Plata.[1]
Only Mar del Plata submitted a bid to host the 1995 Pan American Games that was recognized by thePan American Sports Organization (OPEPA). Honoring an agreement that was made after Mar del Plata withdrew their bid for the1991 Pan American Games, ODEPA selected Mar del Plata as the host city for the 1995 games at their General Assembly inHavana, Cuba in October 1989.[2]

The mascot, Lobi, is asea lion, an animal commonly found in the waters of Mar de Plata. He stands for the host city and is displayed with welcoming open arms. The words in the poster are constructed to imply a launching point or podium.[4]
| 1 | Host nation |
To sort this table by nation, total medal count, or any other column, click on the
icon next to the column title.
| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 170 | 145 | 110 | 425 | |
| 2 | 112 | 66 | 60 | 238 | |
| 3 | 47 | 61 | 69 | 177 | |
| 4 | 40 | 45 | 74 | 159 | |
| 5 | 23 | 20 | 37 | 80 |
^ The medal count for theUnited States is disputed.
The sports ofbasque pelota,karate,racquetball,squash,triathlon andwater skiing appeared on the schedule for the first time.[5][6][7]
| Preceded by | XIIPan American Games Mar del Plata (1995) | Succeeded by |