Although Texas Governor Rick Perry told a San Antonio luncheon for delegates Friday that Texans didn’t come to Mexico City to finish second, that’s exactly what happened.
Officials from 42 nations took Rio de Janeiro at its word that it is free of terrorism and voted to have the city host the 2007 Pan American Games.
Almost 18 years ago a foundation was formed to boost San Antonio’s profile in the world of amateur sports and among the list of events the foundation was to pursue was the Pan American Games.
It seems an hour-long presentation that included a dazzling light show, a mountain of confetti and the fact that San Antonio was a safe city and financially stable, failed to sway the Pan Am officials.
Jack Kelly, an adviser to a number of U.S. bid cities such as the Pan Am Games and the Olympics said before the vote was announced, “you know, for San Antonio just to be mentioned in the same competition with a city like Rio is a major accomplishment. San Antonio has a lot to be proud of”.
According to the Houston Chronicle, officials may be concerned with preparations for the 2003 and 2007 Games. The Dominican Republic is the host city for the 2003 Games and a commission overseeing the planning there has warned organizers that preparations are lagging behind schedule.
