Team fully settled in Mexico

Guadalajara, Mexico:

After a few teething problems, Jamaica's contingent has settled in well after a week at the XVI Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

That's the view of Chef de Mission Compton Rodney. Speaking yesterday at the Pan American Games Village for athletes from all participating countries, Rodney said most problems have now been ironed out and things are going along smoothly.

"The first few days we had rain because of a hurricane (it passed nearby) and it was cold, but since that time things have been quite good. The restaurant initially had some problems in that there were long lines (of people waiting for food) but that has been corrected. I think Mike Fennell (Jamaica Olympic Association president) played a major part in getting that corrected, as he is a first vice-president of the Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO).

"Now the lines are very short, 10 people the most (in eight lines), and they have increased the number of tables in the restaurant area. There were also problems with getting hot water (for showers) for most of the delegations. But these kinks have been ironed out," the chef de mission said.

Good food and transportation

He praised the food and transportation.

"The food and transportation are good within the village. On the medical side, Dr Praimanand Singh and the six members of his staff are also doing a good job, and the members of the track and field team who came in last night (Thursday) seem to be quite happy with the facilities."

Some members of the delegation have already left for home after completing their events here.

Teams that have left already include taekwondo and squash, who left on Wednesday, and badminton, who flew out yesterday morning. One member of the three-man beach volleyball team will leave today through Panama. The other two return home tomorrow via Miami.

Also leaving tomorrow are American coach Chris Anderon and the swimmers. Manager Allan Marsh had already left for home in midweek.