Dressage-News

PRAGUE, Nov. 5, 2017–Santiago was confirmed as host of the 2023 Pan American Games, after the Chilean capital’s bid was unanimously approved by PanAmSports members Sunday.

The general assembly of PanAmSports–re-named from Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) or its Spanish acronym, ODEPA–approved the bid by Santiago for the 19th edition of the games held once every four years. It was the only proposal before PanAm nations meeting here alongside the Association of National Olympic Committees.

Equestrian, that has evolved at the Pan Ams from small tour to a mix of big and small tour for dressage, was among the sports on the Santiago calendar. The Parapan American Games will also be staged in Santiago.

Pablo Squella Serrano, Chile’s Minister of Sport who was also a competitor in the men’s 400 meters hurdles and 800 meters at the 1987 Indianapolis Games, pledged “superhuman efforts” to insure success of the Games, the 39 sports making it the largest multi sports event in the Americas.

The 2019 Pan Ams in Lima face concerns over sponsorship, traffic planning and construction of the Athletes Village and some other venues.

Organizing Committee President Carlos Neuhaus sought to deflect criticism by claiming that local schools in Lima have agreed to allow use of their facilities as temporary accomodation if the Athletes’ Village is not finished in time.

The PanAmSports organization also unveiled a new logo–defending its name in English as part of an effort to focus marketing and promotion across the two continents that count English, Spanish, Portuguese and French as the major languages but with Creole, Mayan, and several American Indian and Eskimo languages as well as other tongues.