Panam Sports Rates Managua 2017 Organization Highly

(ATR) Panam Sports President Neven Ilic says the Managua 2017 Central American Games are the result of "a great effort from Nicaragua".

"It’s a pleasure to be here to support this great effort made in the country," Ilic says while attending the 11th edition of the Central American Games. "I think it’s a beautiful festival that brings together countries that want to grow in sports and want to improve."

Ilic, Panam Sports secretary general Ivar Sisniega and fellow executives are in Managua for the event that began Dec. 3. The two-week sports festival features 30 sports, 26 of which are in the Olympics. Chess, billiards, body building and sambo are also on the program.

Ilic says the role of Panam Sports leaders in Managua is to support the development of sport and help tackle any challenges.

Video of competitions seen by ATR show the venues used for basketball and baseball to have good crowds. A Panam Sports spokesperson tells ATR the quality of preparations and organization of the event has been impressive.

With two days of competition complete, host country Nicaragua and Guatemala are tied for the overall medal lead with 31, but Guatemala has the edge with 11 golds to Nicaragua’s six.

The Managua 2017 Central American Games conclude on Dec. 17. Santa Tecla, El Salvador will host the next edition in 2021.

Vote now for your favorite sports city! The Sports City Poll closes Dec. 31. The poll ranks the top 50 cities most strongly associated with sport. Results January 2018.

Written by Kevin Nutley

Forgeneral comments or questions, click here.

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about theOlympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribersonly.