[2] In February 1980, Barquisimeto was chosen to substitute the initial host city Lima in Perú.

The Games were officially opened by Venezuelan president Luís Herrera Campins.

[3] A detailed history of the early editions of the Bolivarian Games between 1938 and 1989 was published in a book written (in Spanish) by José Gamarra Zorrilla, former president of the Bolivian Olympic Committee, and first president (1976–1982) of ODESUR.

[1] Gold medal winners from Ecuador were published by the Comité Olímpico Ecuatoriano.

[5] A total of 1516 athletes from 6 countries were reported to participate:[1] The following 18 sports were explicitly mentioned:[1] The medal count for these games is tabulated below.