USA Judo Scores a Win for Athletes The Pan American Judo Union Congress voted Tuesday in Maracaibo, Venezuela to award the 2008 Pan American Championships to the United States . The 2008 Pan Ams, the final opportunity for countries in North and South America to qualify for the Beijing Olympic Games, will be held in South Florida in May 2008. USA Judo won the event in a 25-10 vote over Brazil who also presented an excellent bid package to the PJU Congress. This event announcement comes after a highly successful Pan American Junior Championships, held in April in Colorado Springs , Colo. “Everybody left the Pan Am Juniors very happy with their experience both inside and outside of the venue and they are looking forward to returning to the United States ,” said USA Judo CEO Jose H. Rodriguez ( Colorado Springs , Colo. ) “USA Judo put forth South Florida as a bid with the support of many of the Caribbean and Central American countries in the PJU who felt that the proximity of South Florida to a number of countries and the direct flight access would be beneficial for all athletes in the Pan Am region.” The last time the United States played host to a Pan American Championships also was in Florida when Orlando was the site of the 2000 Pan Ams prior to the Sydney Olympic Games. “The 2008 Pan Ams will be a great opportunity for our athletes to fight at home in the last Olympic qualifier,” Rodriguez said. “For those who haven’t qualified, they will be able to do so in front of a home crowd. The people in South Florida have always been great supporters of our events, including our most recent U.S. Open in Miami , and we’re looking forward to coming back again for one of the most crucial events for Team USA before the Olympic Games.” |
