This article from the San Antonio Express-News highlights some of the politics behind San Antonio’s failed bid to host the 2007 PANAM Games. The article also discusses Rio’s staging of the current games and its desire to use it as a showcase in support of their bid for the 2016 Olympics. Additionally, the leaders of San Antonio’s failed bid for the 2007 games indicate that San Antonio might consider bidding for the 2015 games as long as they don’t have to compete against another US city and the Pan American Sports Organization allows them to run unopposed for final selection by the delegates, similar to Guadalajara’s 2011 selection. http://teamhandballnews.com/news.php?item.103
Commentary: While the Pan Am Games is a minor event for many sports, it is a very important for Team Handball as the Gold Medal winner secures the one guaranteed Pan American slot for the Olympics. A lot can happen in 8 years time and the IHF could try and change the qualification rules again. For those out there that don’t think the US can turn things around its Handball program in four years, hosting this critical tournament in eight could secure USA qualification for 2016. Of course, if Chicago is selected to host then the USA would be in by default.
San Antonio Express-News Article: http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/stories/MYSA061907.1D.PanAmGames.folo.39cd438.html
I know this probably way down the road but I'd love to see the US host a PANAM Handball Championship, even if it's a Women's Youth Championship.
It was nice to see a World Championship come to North America but then they put in the heart of French Canada. Is that going to attract new fans? Also what ever happened to having Handball during the Commonwealth Games?
While it would be great to have the PANAMs here we should to also try to host the PANAM Championships for Handball. With 6 opportunities every 2 years (Mens & Women's: Youth, Junior and Senior); once we get a new NGB we should insist that this be one of their priorities.
My understanding is that the US is still currently scheduled to host the Men's 2008 Pan American Championships which should give the men a decent chance at qualifying for the 2009 World Championships.