The president of the Dominican Olympic Committee reiterated that the Pan American Games will cost the DR about RD$800 million. He said that when visiting José Ramón Fernández, president of the Olympic Committee of Cuba spoke of US$120-US$140 million, or over RD$2,000 million, he was referring to countries that did not have sports installations. Fernández explained that the cost is less for countries that have the sports facilities, such as the Dominican Republic. Puello Herrera said that the cost of repairing the present sports facilities cannot be included in the cost of the Pan American Games budget. His estimate does not include either the cost of the Olympic Villa, as the committee says that these can latter be sold and the investment recuperated. The president of the Cuban Olympic Committee visited last week as part of an inspection tour being made by the Panamerican Sports Organization to report on the aspirants to host the Pan Am Games in year 2003. Other contenders are Medellín, Colombia that has most of the facilities necessary plus an excellent climate, but has against it security considerations. Medellín is counting on the vote of South American nations. Guadalajara, Mexico has most of the sports installations, and ample experience in organizing this kind of event, plus the support of the president of the Pan American Sports Organization, Mario Vásquez Raña. Santo Domingo received much praise for its hosting of the Central American Sports Games in 1974, has many of the necessary sports facilities, and many others are already being modernized for the event. Santo Domingo also has the vote of most Central American and Caribbean nations. Sectors that oppose the celebration of the games in Santo Domingo say the country has other priorities.
