Pan American Sport Organization´s (PASO) XLIV General Assembly finished on a very cheerful note in Buenos Aires, tequila on hand and Mariachi´s performance. Guadalajara was chosen by acclamation to host the XVI Pan American Games in 2011. This dinamic city tried to host the Games in 2003 but lost to Santo Domingo. Next Games will be in Rio in 2007.

The other major international decision taken was to ratify the 3 members from the Americas on ANOC´s Executive Board: Robert Ctvrtlik from the USA, Hector Cardona from Puerto Rico and Ramón Zubizareeta from Paraguay. Mr. Felipe Muńoz from Mexico was also ratified at ANOC´s Exec. Board and Dr. Julio Maglione as Vice President on behalf of America. 

IOC´s President, Dr. Jacques Rogge was very pleased by PASO´s activities and harmony among its members. Other IOC´s Executives included Mme. Gunilla Lindberg, IOC Exec. Board Member and ANOC´s Secretary  General, Mr. Urs Lacotte, IOC´s Director General and Mr. Peré Miró, Olympic Solidarity Director.

Before returning home, Mr. and Mrs. Jacques Rogge will pay a 2 day courtesy visit to Uruguay where they will meet Sport and Political authorities.

Carlos M. Garcia
AIPS, First Vice President