ODEPA Assures Pan American Games Success

Mexico, Oct 10. -Mario Vazquez Raña, president of the Pan American Sports Organization, assured the Mexican city of Guadalajara is organizing a great edition of the Pan American Games from October 14 to 30."A year ago, we were doubting the Games would be possible in Guadalajara, now we are here, and they will be some great Pan American Games," Vazquez Raña said at a press conference after the official opening of the PASO Executive Committee Assembly.

Vazquez Raña talked about the quality of the stadiums and other facilities for the Games, and praised the Pan American Village and its conditions for the athletes. It has already been considered the best of the facilities.

The Medical Commission of the PASO Executive Committee said a total of 1,400 urine tests and 300 blood samples will be taken during the Games, as part of a strategy on zero tolerance to doping.

A total of 6,003 athletes will compete in 36 sports, 15 of which will present classificatory competitions for the Olympic Games in London in 2012.

After Guadalajara, the following Pan American Games will be celebrated in Toronto, Canada, which organizers left a report in which they clearly said the preparation is going at a good rhythm for the Games edition in 2015.

Canadians have already started the Pan American Village construction, and will start building five stadiums in a few months.

Delegations are arriving in Guadalajara since October 4.

US, Cuba, Brazil, Canada and Mexico occupied the top five places in medals in the last edition of the Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and are now the favourite ones.

Forty-two countries have confirmed their participation, and this edition has registered 1,800 judges and 8,000 volunteers. (Prensa Latina)