Venezuela to Host ALBA Games in July

Caracas, Apr 1. -Venezuela will organize the Games of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), scheduled to be held in nine states in July 18-29, Sports Minister Hector Rodríguez informed.

In a press conference, Rodríguez said athletes will compete in 41 disciplines in the states of Aragua (5), Carabobo (2), Cojedes (2), Capital District (8), Lara (3), Miranda (1), Portuguesa (1), Yaracuy (14) and Vargas (5).

Countries that have confirmed attendance include Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the host Venezuela, all ALBA member nations.

"We will also invite other countries of the region because these games are for unity beyond economic objectives. It is a space for the encounter of peoples," he told Prensa Latina.

According to Rodriguez, the facilities for the competitions were inspected recently and are in good conditions.

They will be refurbished and upgraded to secure the success of the games, and they will be ready for social use later.

Rodriguez highlighted the approval by President Chavez of 70 million bolivares (USD $18 million) to organize the ALBA Games, coinciding with a meeting of Sport ministers of the pro-integration bloc founded in 2004. (Prensa Latina)