Barranquilla Aims for 2027 Pan Ams

(ATR) The Colombian city of Barranquilla is interested in organizing the Pan-American Games of 2027, NOC president Baltazar Medina tells Around the Rings.

Medina made the comments during his appearance on the last day of the Best Practices symposium organized in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by the U. S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Panam Sports.

The Colombian leader was a part of the final panel moderated by Luis Mejía, IOC member and president of the Dominican Republic Olympic Committee. The paneltackled the topic of relationships between NOCs and their governments.

Cali, Colombia, is already hosting the first Junior Pan American Games in 2021. Cali also hosted the PanAms in 1971, the only time the PanAmshave been in Colombia.

Eleven sports ministers participated in the two-day seminar.

Cuban representatives were unable to attend because of problems securing visas.

Canadian sources tell Around the Rings that as of that moment they '"have not received officially any interest from Canadian cities" in hosting the 2027 PanAms, althoughVancouver and Winnipeg are said to have an interest in bidding.

As yet no US cities have expressed interest.

ATR is told that Houston, Texas, might present its candidacy. A source says the timing of a Houston bid might be difficult with Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Olympiics.

Santiago, Chile, will organize the Pan-American Games of 2023. Lima, Peru, hosted the PanAms earlier this year.

Reported in Ft Lauderdale byMiguel Hernandez.