Guadalajara Sacrifices Youth Games Bid For Pan Ams

Garin said Guadalajara did not withdraw because it was a weak candidate. He said although the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission report January 8 said the city had "several risks" in its bid, he was sure all these concerns could have been addressed. But the (IOC) report showed that financing and planning both events meant an impediment to both and the city of Guadalajara.

He added it was important that the city meet the promises of the Pan American dream and make it a reality and since the Pan American Games were close they decided that all the talent, creativity and hard work that made Guadalajara a finalist for the Youth Games could be used in the organization of the 2011 Pan Ams.

Garin invited about 8,000 fans Guadalajara has via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr to have the same passion, intelligence and desire to join the Pan American movement and said that although the Pan Am Games are a consolation prize, they are the most important event in the history of Guadalajara.