Insecurity tends to become a thorn for organizers of sporting events, especially in venues that are not the most secure. Although it is true that there is no such thing as a place that is 100 percent safe, there are certain regions of the planet that are clearly more affected by crime and violence.
Unfortunately, Guadalajara, the venue of the Pan-Am Games for 2011, is not an exception, as the drug violence plaguing Mexico makes its way to the city.
The first criminal act was hardly violent, but that does not make it less lamentable, as it directly affects and creates an impression on the delegations visiting the city for the event. The Colombian cyclists were the first victims of thieves, as their bikes were stolen on Oc. 16. The most affected was Ivan Mauricio, who was not able to ride his bicycle during competition.
Unfortunately, the second act was quite violent, even if it did not directly affect the Pan-Am athletes. Mexican boxer Rafael Guzman was gunned down outside his house, surely sending sounds of alarm to the Pan-Am village.
These events darken the organizers of the Guadalajara 2011 Pan-Am Games, who have tried desperately to keep things in order. They are hoping these are isolated events and that security will become one of the Games' strengths as the end of the competition approaches.
