Exclusive - PASO Begins Miami Office Search

(ATR) The Pan American Sports Organization is seeking work space that is more easily accessible by its 41 National Olympic Committees.

"We will be looking for offices in Miami although the main operational office will remain in Mexico City for now," PASO secretary general Ivar Sisniega tells Around the Rings.

The selection of additional offices was a key component of the campaigns of PASO presidential candidates Carlos Nuzman, Jose Puello and Neven Ilic. Ilic outlasted Nuzman and Puello in April’s presidential election at the general assembly in Uruguay and believes opening offices in Miami is the best option.

"PASO is a Mexican civil association and will remain so," Ilic told ATR during his campaign. "We will also open an operational office in the city of Miami that is easily accessible to all NOCs and will allow us to explore the American market that is arguably the strongest in terms of companies that support the development of the sport."

"We have several options and are probably still a few months away from determining where they will be," Sisniega says.

Ilic was elected president along with a new executive board at last month’s general assembly. Ilic also appointed IOC member Richard Peterkin to treasurer and former PASO vice president Sisniega to replace Jimena Saldana as secretary general.

Despite her replacement, Saldana tells ATR she still holds an important role within the organization as a volunteer and advisor.

"I am still with PASO as member of the Lima Coordination Commission and in touch with President Ilic and the whole Pan Am Olympic family to keep on collaborating however I can!"

Written by Kevin Nutley

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