Veracruz looking to 22nd Central American – Caribbean Games
• Launching the count-down to the 2014 regional games, the Mexican state of Veracruz took the initiative to organize a "One Year to the Games" event. Governor Javier Duarte de Ochoa promises the best games ever and executive organizer Héctor Cardona reports that preparations are progressing on schedule

Enrique Montesinos

THE countdown has begun to the 22nd Central American and Caribbean Games, Veracruz 2014, the first competition for countries in the region in the Olympic cycle which will culminate in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

The clock was started at 8:00pm, November 14, exactly 365 days before the inaugural ceremony scheduled to take place in Veracruz, a Caribbean city, in fact, given its geographic location and culture.

The "One Year to the Games" event adds a new chapter to the history of the oldest pre-Olympic regional competition and should contribute to the optimal development of all elements essential to the Games.

Veracruz authorities responsible for the site were able to show the progress being made in construction of accommodations and competition venues, as well as the organizational logistics being established. Leaders of Odecabe (the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organization), ultimately responsible for the continuity of the regional Games, were able to evaluate the progress and address aspects in need of improvement.

Another positive outcome of the event was the involvement of state and municipal officials, along with students, cultural entities and representatives of civil society in general, in an effort to ensure their participation in preparations for the Games.

Scheduled for the first day of the countdown event, November 11, were sector work meetings between local commissions and their Odecabe counterparts, as well as the medical commission. On November 12, the Odecabe Executive Committee met, with President Héctor Cardona from Puerto Rico presiding, to discuss several presentations, including one outlining plans for the Veracruz 2014 gala inauguration and closing events.

Veracruz state Governor Javier Duarte de Ochoa participated in the executive committee meeting and offered his assurances that the 22nd games will be the best in the competition’s history. He presented the design for medals to be awarded winners in each of the 449 events included in the official program of 36 sports and 44 disciplines.

The meeting took place in the city’s World Trade Center, a convention center which is being adapted to serve as the venue for competition in boxing, judo, wrestling, tae kwon do and weightlifting.

November 13, a visit was organized to the other principal site, the city of Jalapa, in a mountainous region of the state at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level, about an hour’s drive from Veracruz.

Jalapa, the site of the recent regional basketball pre-Olympic tournament where Cuba’s women’s team triumphed, has a great sports tradition. Under construction is a second village of 345 two-story buildings which will accommodate some 2,100 athletes competing in nine sports here, thus eliminating the need for daily travel from Veracruz.

Participants were impressed with the construction of a modern cycling velodrome, with a wooden track which project managers assure will be the best in Mexico and the Jalapa Convention Center which will serve as a multi-purpose venue for large events following the games, no doubt an excellent legacy for the city and the 2014 Games’ emblematic structure.

Athletics competition will take place here. No other facility exists in the state which can compare with the Heriberto Jara Stadium in terms of long-standing tradition. Built in 1925, a year prior to the 1st Central American - Caribbean Games, the stadium has been the site of innumerable competitions, among them the 1967 regional championships, where Cuba’s legendary 4X100 relay team competed, going on to win the 1968 Olympic silver medal in Mexico City.

Alongside the oval track, a warm-up area is being constructed with a six-lane 200-meter track and throwing circles, in addition to the Omega Complex for badminton and ping-pong competition.

Also to be held in Jalapa are the shooting competition, at the Lencero Police Academy; archery, fencing and the modern pentathlon on the University campus; and equestrian competition at the Coapexpan Riding Club.

The day concluded with an evening session at Veracruz City Hall, with Municipal President Carolina Gudiño presiding. Odecabe leaders were honored as Distinguished Guests of the city and the latest edition of the Games’ official book, updated through Mayagüez 2010 was presented, with the journalist-author responsible for the work in attendance.

On the final day of the gathering, participants visited the principal venues in Veracruz-Boca del Río, the latter a neighboring municipality which has grown to become part of the city.

Outstanding sites toured included the Central American Village and Sports Complex which includes the Luis Pirata Fuentes football stadium – site of the opening and closing events – and the Beto Ávila baseball field, in addition to the

Leyes de Reforma Aquatic Center with pool and diving facilities, which is being expanded to include another area for water polo and synchronized swimming. Also under construction are venues for jai-alai, bowling and gymnastics.

The tour included the Carlos Serdán Sports Center where karate, handball and softball events will take place. Located in a working-class neighborhood, it will be enjoyed for years to come by local residents.

The "One Year to the Games" final gala set the stage for the main event next year, with a commemorative parade presented by 31 local schools and musical groups, representing the countries participating with youthful enthusiasm and harmony.