This Canadian reporter say Dominicans are the big losers of the Games (http://www.canoe.ca/EdmontonSports/es.es-08-13-0111.html). Okay, we are paying and will be paying the bills for years to come.
Dominicans knew all the time the Pan Am Games was circus and a way for many to get rich fast -- with the oversized venues building and generous supplier contracts, also with all the last minute ordering because things were not done on schedule.
Because most events were not free and because of the long lines to buy tickets, most Dominicans just tuned into the Games on TV, thus the empty stadiums seen so frequently in the telecasts.
But would like to read comments from those who attended the Games:
Once the first bugs were worked out, is it true that we now have Olympic standard facilities? Which ones are top class and places that could attract regional and world competitions?
Were Dominican good hosts and did we live up to our reputation as a most hospitable people?
How was the food at the athletes' village? We did pay for the Royal Caribbean Cruise chef to direct the food show.
Dominicans know the biggest challenge is not winning medals but to NOT turn the olympic standard venues into hurricane refugees and instead to get in place programs to attract world and regional championships to keep these facilities going so Dominicans can enjoy them in the future and develop strong sports programs for the benefit of the future generations.
The original plan was not to build all these world class venues, but to present the Games on a more modest scale. Now that the bigger expense was made, let us know your opinions and ideas on programs, ideas to preserve these facilities and keep the venues going with world class and regional events. Names have not been mentioned, but Jose Joaquin Puello, president of the Organizing Committee, has leaked that seven companies/institutions have already offered to upkeep seven facilities. There is some hope these will not become white elephants. Or is that utopic thinking? Was it at least half worth the big effort? Let us know.
Dominicans knew all the time the Pan Am Games was circus and a way for many to get rich fast -- with the oversized venues building and generous supplier contracts, also with all the last minute ordering because things were not done on schedule.
Because most events were not free and because of the long lines to buy tickets, most Dominicans just tuned into the Games on TV, thus the empty stadiums seen so frequently in the telecasts.
But would like to read comments from those who attended the Games:
Once the first bugs were worked out, is it true that we now have Olympic standard facilities? Which ones are top class and places that could attract regional and world competitions?
Were Dominican good hosts and did we live up to our reputation as a most hospitable people?
How was the food at the athletes' village? We did pay for the Royal Caribbean Cruise chef to direct the food show.
Dominicans know the biggest challenge is not winning medals but to NOT turn the olympic standard venues into hurricane refugees and instead to get in place programs to attract world and regional championships to keep these facilities going so Dominicans can enjoy them in the future and develop strong sports programs for the benefit of the future generations.
The original plan was not to build all these world class venues, but to present the Games on a more modest scale. Now that the bigger expense was made, let us know your opinions and ideas on programs, ideas to preserve these facilities and keep the venues going with world class and regional events. Names have not been mentioned, but Jose Joaquin Puello, president of the Organizing Committee, has leaked that seven companies/institutions have already offered to upkeep seven facilities. There is some hope these will not become white elephants. Or is that utopic thinking? Was it at least half worth the big effort? Let us know.