Panama 2022 Wins U.K. Support

(ATR) In exclusive comments to Around the Rings, CACSOpresident Steve Stoute said that his next Panama trip in May should not be considered as an audit to organizers of the Central American and Caribbean Games of 2022.

He revealed that only a week ago he had been in Panama City to get a better understanding of the situation between the sports and Olympic authorities.

" I was in Panama last week and was pleased that there appeared to be some resolutions between the Panamanian Olympic Committee and Pandeportes," Stoute said.

"COPAN (the Organizing Committee) will be issuing a statement concerning that visit, which indicated that after my meetings with the Deputy Mayor of Panama City and the Vice Minister of the Republic, very positive signals were received for the success of the 2022 CAC Games"he affirmed.

CACSO had been demanding the fulfillment of pending payments by the organizers regarding marketing rights. But Stoute says these initial amounts were already paid.

"At this juncture, there is no outstanding monies due to CACSO by the Organizing Committee" he said.

An Executive Board meeting of CACSO is scheduled for Panama in May along with a number of technical and other commission meetings.

"This is not an audit but an ordinary Executive Board meeting," Stoute clarified.

Sources familiar with the organization of the Games have expressed concern with the government contribution required for the multi-sport event, estimated at $200 million dollars.

A section of the Panamanian press had expressed concerns about the relationship between the state entity Pandeportes and the Panama Olympic Committee (POC).

Before the arrival of Stoute to Panama, the main leaders of Pandeportes and the POC held a meeting described as "positive".

"We agree on many sensitive issues. It is a great step for the benefit of athletes who have very important commitments in the Olympic cycle," said Mario Pérez, general director of Pandeportes.

For his part, POC president Camilo Amado said that "it is still necessary to reach agreements in some points but it is a good step to resolve situations".

The meeting agreed to publish the responsibilities of Pandeportes contributions for the different competitions and events in which both federations and sports organizations participatethroughout the Olympic cycle.

In turn, the POC will continue to inform the National Federations of the support it can provide through the Olympic Solidarity and Panam Sports contribution programs.

A public agreement on responsibilities for strategic planning with a view to the XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games Panama 2022 focused media attention and of course CACSO.

Stoute told ATR that the CACS Executive meeting is scheduled after the federal elections in Panama on May 5.

"The May Executive Meeting should affirm that Panama is ready, willing and capable of hosting what will be the best CAC Games in history" Stoute assured.

In addition to its presence at the Pan American Games in Lima, the United Kingdom says it is also readyto help the Panama 2022 Central American and Caribbean Games. The support to promote projects in multiple sectors in Panama was announced a week ago.

CACSO welcomes the British position.

"Since the completion of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the United Kingdom has accumulated an enviable experience in the organization, planning and execution of world-class sporting events," said Damion Potter, U.K. ambassador to Panama.

The diplomat acknowledged that his country is currently, the main adviser of the Organizing Committee of the Pan American Games of Lima 2019, "in order to deliver a Games to live up to expectations."

"The British Government is in a position to provide similar support to Panama and the Organizing Committee," he said.

About this initiative Steve Stoute told ATR:

"CACSO is delighted that the British Government is willing to be involved in the organization of the 2022 CAC Games.

" As you are aware, British interests are heavily involved in the organization of the 2019 Pan American Games.

"We believe this initiative will strengthen the organizational capabilities of COPAN, again ensuring that the 2022 Games are the best ever".

Panama organized Central American and Caribbean Games in 1938 and 1970.

On the sidelines of the Panama 2022 Games, Stoute responded to a concern about the current situation of two member countries of CACSO.

"The situations in both Venezuela and Haiti are of great concern to CACSO from the sports perspective. Apart from the tremendous social adversity and implications, the sports infrastructure and the athletes are suffering," said Stoute.

Reported byMiguel Hernandez. For comments and questions, click here.