The Dominican Republic has a chance at becoming the mecca for major world sports events. At least it will have the venues for the time being.
\n The Mej?a administration has built world class sports installations for the Pan American Games that will take place 1-17 August and thereafter the possibility of hosting major regional and world tournaments is open. The challenge will be to fund the adequate maintenance of the venues and the marketing efforts to attract world class sports events that justify the hefty governmental investment in the sports facilities.
\n President Mej?a himself is optimistic the investment will pay off in increased visits of tourists. ?These works will serve to promote the country as a touristic destination ? not only for beaches, but also for sports,? he said.
\n The world class venues include the plush Palmarejo Equestrian Center and the Rincon Dam rowing and canoeing venue. Also, the mountain bike trail in Jarabacoa.
\n But facilities at the East Park are also majestic. The new sports facility has several arenas with capacity to host large audiences. These include:<\/p>\n
Tennis stadium – 3,800 persons<\/p>\n
Gymnastics pavilion – 3,625 persons<\/p>\n
Table tennis ? 1,800 persons<\/p>\n
Weightlifting ? 1,644 persons<\/p>\n
Hockey on grass ? 965 persons<\/p>\n
Archery arena ? 900 persons<\/p>\n
Amphitheater ? 5,000 persons<\/p>\n
For information on the Games, see http:\/\/panamgames2003.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Dominican Republic has a chance at becoming the mecca for major world sports events. At least it will have the venues for the time being. The Mej?a administration has built world class sports installations for the Pan American Games that will take place 1-17 August and thereafter the possibility of hosting major regional and … <\/p>\n