The DR needs a go ahead of the Executive Committee of the Pan American Sports Organization that will meet in Colorado Springs, USA on 21 October. The Dominican Olympic Committee is finalizing a report on the Dominican Pan Am Games that will be presented at the assembly. News reports say that president of the organization, Mexican Mario Vásquez Raña will use all his influence to lead the executive committee to believe the DR will fail and thus should not be confirmed as host of the 2003 Games. DR won the site of the games competing against Guadalajara, Mexico. Dr. José Joaquín Puello, leading organizer and president of the Dominican Olympic Committee says that the construction of facilities and hosting of the games is not a problem. He said where the country has to work most is in the preparation of the Dominican delegation that will compete in the event. Nevertheless, he is optimistic the country will win 50 medals in the Santo Domingo Pan Am Games. Dr. Puello said that recent statements by the Finance Committee of the Senate could work against the DR. The Finance committee opposed the DR taking out a US$200 million loan to build sport venues and the athletes’ village. Dr. Puello told the press he is optimistic that the Pan American Sports Organization will be satisfied with the report to be presented by the Dominican organizing committee.
