The 1979 Pan American Games (Juegos Panamericanos de 1979), officially the VIII Pan American Games were held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from 1 to 15 July 1979. The 1980 documentary film A Step Away showcased athletes competing in the Games.
The 1979 Games were the first one to feature a mascot, which was a running frog holding a torch named Coqui.
