PRODUCTIVE PANAM SPORTS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING IN ARUBA
At the meeting held in Aruba, the top sports officials from the Americas agreed to allocate funds for up to $40,000 to each Pan American Sports Confederation that meets the required criteria and to increase ACODEPA’s annual allocation by 50%.
In addition, the Lima 2027 Organizing Committee made its presentation on the second day of the meeting, highlighting the significant progress achieved in preparation for the continental event.
The beautiful island of Aruba served as the site for the Panam Sports Executive Board meeting, an opportunity to analyze the current state of affairs and all the significant challenges ahead for the Pan American Sports Organization.
The reports by President Neven Ilic, Secretary General Jimena Saldaña, and the various departments of Panam Sports were presented on the first day of meetings.
Among the highlights of the first day was the Executive Board’s unanimous approval of a 50% increase to the financial contribution for the Association of Pan American Sports Confederations (ACODEPA), as well as the establishment of an annual financial support of up to $40,000 for the Confederations of the sports in the Pan American program that meet certain requirements set by the continental body.
In addition, regarding financial support, it was agreed to assist the Caribbean youth athletics tournament, the CARIFTA Games, as well as the Central American Sports Organization (ORDECA), led by its President, Armando Bruni.
“This is a historic day. Panam Sports has taken a qualitative leap forward in its support for the Pan American Confederations and our organization, ACODEPA. We are very grateful to President Neven Ilic for this increase in resources for all sports in the Pan American program,” said ACODEPA President Francisco Lee.
“It was a very productive Executive Board meeting, covering various areas of interest. One of the most important points was Lima 2027; we received a very solid presentation from them, which gives us great confidence that the Games will become a reality and that work is being done properly. I sincerely thank the Aruban Olympic Committee and the national government. “We are leaving very happy with the warmth that we received at this beautiful island,” said Panam Sports President Neven Ilic.
Panam Sports Secretary General Jimena Saldaña shared a similar view, noting: “I believe this has been a very important meeting, with many very interesting topics. Panam Sports is ready to align all its priorities. I am very satisfied with everything I have seen here in Aruba. Strengthening the National Federations and Pan American Confederations through training and education opportunities, allows us to create the best conditions for our athletes, who are, of course, at the center of all our decisions and actions.”
“Aruba is a small paradise, and we are happy and very grateful to have chosen this country as the host for this Executive Board meeting. I appreciate all the support and warmth from all its people, and especially from the sports and government authorities of this beautiful island,” concluded Jimena Saldaña.
For her part, the Secretary General of the Aruban Olympic Committee and IOC Member, Nicole Hoevertsz, expressed her delight at having hosted the Panam Sports Executive Board. “It has been a great honor for us to have been able to organize this meeting here on our island. It was a huge challenge. The meeting was very successful and gave us the opportunity to demonstrate that Aruba can host these major events. We hope this will be the first of many meetings in the future.”
LIMA 2027 PRESENTS ITS PROGRESS
On the second day, the Lima 2027 Organizing Committee made a presentation. Led by the president of the Peruvian Sports Institute (IPD), Sergio Ludeña, and the president of the Peruvian Olympic Committee, Renzo Manyari, they showcased the main progress made on the Games, highlighting that 98% of the infrastructure is ready, the launch of the Local Organizing Committee’s website and social media, and the hiring of professionals in various functional areas.
Of particular importance was the presentation by Panam Sports’ Lima 2027 Coordination Commission, led by the President of the Olympic Committee of Panama and IOC member, Damaris Young, who praised the work Peru is doing.
“We have presented all the details of our work plan, and we are very pleased with all the recommendations the Executive Board has given us. The Peruvian government’s commitment is total, and we are convinced that we are on the right track,” said Sergio Ludeña.
Presidential elections will be held in Peru next Sunday, June 7, and while there will be changes in the authorities leading the country’s sports sector, the current Lima 2027 team confirmed the support of both presidential candidates to the Pan American Games, noting that financial support and the government’s commitment are absolutely guaranteed.
