Jose Puello Versus Neven Ilic for PASO Presidency

(ATR) It is a two-man race to become the next president of the Pan American Sports Organization with Jose Puello and Neven Ilic reaching the final round of voting.

The honorary life president of the Dominican Republic Olympic Committee Puello and president of the Chilean Olympic Committee Ilic enter the final vote offering different visions for the future of PASO.

Puello says his experience hosting the 2003 Pan American Games and role with his NOC for several years give him the experience necessary to get the Lima 2019 Pan Ams back on track. Puello says will listen to the needs of PASO's members to help create a shared vision for the future.

Ilic would provide the organization more of a youthful perspective at 55, 20 years younger than Puello. Ilic also has experience running his NOC and delivered an impassioned speech at the general assembly calling for youth leadership that would help modernize PASO.

Puello advanced to the final in the first round of voting with 23 votes, surpassing Ilic and Brazil Olympic Committee chief Carlos Nuzman who each received 14. The tie resulted in an additional round of voting prior to the final vote for the president.

Ilic then beat Nuzman in round two, setting up the showdown with Puello in the final. NOCs that have hosted the Pan Am Games have two votes in the election.

The final round of voting is now underway as PASO delegates determine the future path of the organization. With 51 possible votes, either candidate will need to secure a majority with 26 votes. Results to follow...

Written by Kevin Nutley

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