Puerto Plata will host the Torneo Panamericano de Baloncesto Juvenil from 4-11 July. The modern sports palace inaugurated on 7 May by President Fernández will be the site of the event. Eight countries will come seeking the four slots to travel to the world games in Portugal, in July 1999. Dominican players will match players from Brazil, the US, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Cuba and Venezuela. The Brazilians won the South American tournament held in June, Argentina was second and Venezuela third. The DR just won the Central American and Caribbean tournament, with Cuba second and Mexico in third place. The US and Canada classify automatically. The event is organized by the Panamerican Confederation of Basketball. The Puerto Plata sports palace was built to specifications of the International Basketball Federation and the NBA. It has seating capacity for 5,300 persons. The teams of Argentina, Brazil and Canada are expected in the DR next week to compete against the DR from 30 June to 3 July in Santiago and Moca sports arenas.
