Comments on: XV Pan American Games Rio 2007

By: Douglas R Cowie

Douglas R Cowie — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:11:27 +0000

I am a Scotsman who was one of six security runners who escorted the Pan Am Flame around Brazil prior to the start of the Games. We visited 42 cities and executed 50+ relays and all I can say is Brazil is an amazing country, Brazillians are amazing people and when I left for home I felt I was leaving brothers and sisters behind.

By: USA Gymnastics’ Pride, Shawn Johnson

USA Gymnastics’ Pride, Shawn Johnson — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 21:22:00 +0000

[...] tucked under her belt are her wins during the 2007 American Cup (all around champion), 2007 Pan American Games (all around champion), and the 2007 National Championships. Of course, she adds her latest win [...]

By: Light the Torch on the XV PanAm Games

Light the Torch on the XV PanAm Games — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 16:49:49 +0000

[...] XV Pan American Games Rio 2007 [...]

By: ubirajara neiva

ubirajara neiva — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 13:16:56 +0000

To everyone,
I’m from Brazil, I live in Belo Horizonte, MG State, near Rio de Janeiro. I’m here to tell you some news about PAN AMERICAN GAMES RIO 2007. First of all, I’d like to express my profoundly desapointment to the young US athlete who wrote that sentece “WELCOME TO THE CONGO”. I know this is not the oppinion of all american people and I hope everyone be different from him.
About PAN, we have to know the realy truth. My country decided to receive this competition in a hopefull way to show to the world we are able to do big things. And WE REALY ARE. I’m not trying to afirm we are better than other nations, but only we are able to do big things as they can do.
The PAN was great in numbers, great in passion, great in peace, great in people. All the athletes, of all nations, gave their best for the competition. They ran, they played, they won…. they became heroes here. I know there are many difficulties here. There is a violence question. The poverty too…. but tell me where this is not an actual question? I realy hope the athletes of all countries enjoied been here!
As a brazilian citizen, I apologize all the foreign athletes families for the bad news you eventualy received and I can afirm you that Brazil is a wonderful place to visit and live. Not only Rio de Janeiro, but all of our states.
In the end of PAN, I’m realy proud of Brazil for doing this competition in a most higher level of competence and respect for brazilian people and for foreigners. I’m proud of all the other nations that was here too. They proved us how the sport is stronger and how its powered to change everything. The poverty can become less and less with pacticing some sport and fighting for the spirit of victory.
You are everyone invited to come here and visit Brazil, not only in a big competition like PAN. We have many wonderful things to show, as you have to show us, too.
I hope in GUADALAJARA 2011, the world can see this competition more clearly.
Thanks for everyone!
Ubirajara Neiva
Belo Horizonte/MG/Brazil

By: marcy

marcy — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:34:20 +0000

AMERICAM PEAPLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND LERN MORE ABOUT BRASIL !!!!!!!!

By: marcy

marcy — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:32:34 +0000

This is for Andy e todos os brasileiros que responderam a acusacoes feitas sobre o Brasil. Brasil foi, e’ , e sempre sera’ um pais de paz . Esta e’ a primeira vez que escuto falar em TERRORISMO!!!!!!!!…. No brasil ? I DON’T THINK SO ! Realmente certas pessoas nao conhecem ,nunca leram e talvez nem saibam onde fica este pais tao maravilhoso !!! Mas temos que levar em consideraca que a geografia nao e’ o “PRATO” preferido aqui em US,
digasse de passagem ,nao sou eu que
acho ,sao os proprios americanos… Quanto a violencia ,nao cheguei a uma conclusao,! sera’ que aqui e’ menos ?????!!!!!!!A todos os brasucas “AQUELE ABRACO” SE QUIZER TRADUZIR P/ O INGLES …TRADUZAM

By: marcy

marcy — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:30:50 +0000

By: Cláudia

Cláudia — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 15:33:59 +0000

To everyone,
I’m from a different state in Brazil, came here thinking that it would be very scary.Wrong!!!Of course there’s violece but they happen in certain places and between drug dealers.The rest is like in any normal country or town, where we can never take chances.
About hating americans… it’s just a negative image many people have due politics, but it’s far from hurting any american athlete.

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:29:57 +0000

Hi,
As a Carioca that lives in the US for more than 13 yrs and admires many aspects of this country, I’m still amazed by the lack of understanding that the US in general has for other cultures and countries (Iraque war is a good example of this…), and the absolute lack of media coverage of the Pan American Games in the US (or any other major sport event ) is just another example. When I want to hear important world issues I listen to BBC, otherwise all you get is a continuous coverage in CNN/Fox of Barry Bonds, Paris Hilton and now M. Vicks scandals, I’m sure all very important and relevant news to report….
The bad news is that for the next 2 yrs I don’t see any major change in these policies, the good news is that many Americans are now becoming more and more aware of worlwide events and maybe next Pan American Games we will have a decent coverage.
Robert Kennedy was already aware of these issues, when in 1964 he said: “the US represents only 6% of the worlds population and we have to be more integrated to the world…”
as for the athletes, Americans, Brazilians, Canadians or Cubans, is just fantastic to see what they can accomplish, and the Games are all about them, not Government policies or interests.
By the way, Rio my birthplace is one of the 3 most beautiful cities in the world, and yes, it has a high crime rate (and a President as bad as the one we have here…), but also a population that always receives you “de bracos abertos”(with their arms open). As a mater of fact, the large majority of Americans that visit Brazil, love it and want to come back, you know why?
because people really want to know you and exchange information and experiences, it’s not all about business and money…believe me, it makes a diference in your day to day…but, it might also be for the “caipirinhas” (national drink), the beautiful beaches and women, the food, but who knows?
go and visit Brazil, and you will find out !

By: Jean Bruchac

Jean Bruchac — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 11:03:50 +0000

I agree with what you have said Paolo and I am impressed by the other responses to my post. Our country behaves like a spoiled teenager on the world stage and I can only hope that we will outgrow that as a people. My son had the time of his life in Rio. He was treated with kindness and respect.