Mexico City.- President Felipe Calderón declared that in the run-up to the Guadalajara 2011 16th Pan-American Games, Federal Government will continue investing in Mexican athletes’ training and urged the country’s sportspersons to continue with their training to obtain better results. “I say this as a Mexican and as the President of Mexico, they are our Pan-American Games and we must all unite to ensure their success, beyond our geographical, political or any other differences,” he said.

At the Esplanade to the Monument to Franciso I. Madero, the President confirmed Mexico’s commitment to the values of the Mexican International Olympic Movement, such as peace, brotherhood, respect, understanding and peace between nations. Those, he said, are the principles guiding our country’s relationship with the world. In this respect, President Felipe Calderón repeated his administration’s message of solidarity and condolences to Chile, adding that all possible support has been offered to the president of that nation, Michelle Bachelet, to enable them to recover as soon as possible. “The close historical, cultural, economic and friendship links that bind us to the Chileans make us feel the losses they have suffered as our own,” he said.

He added that measures have been implemented to enable Mexicans who were in Chile to be brought to Mexico and for Chileans in Mexico to be able to return to their country. “I have also instructed our embassy in Chile to provide immediate assistance for Mexicans victims, especially those in Concepción. And we will give all the support our Chilean brothers require to President Bachelet, who is directing the operations to overcome this tragedy,” he added.

During the presentation of the progress achieved in preparation for the 16th Pan-American Games to be held in Guadalajara in 2011, the President said that this competition will provide a magnificent opportunity to raise Mexico’s international profile. He reported that the three branches of government and the private sector have invested nearly 15 billion pesos. In addition, 1,500 athletes from 42 countries are due to participate, while a quarter of a million domestic and foreign visitors are expected to attend the games.