CLOC President Otoya II

Here is the second and final part of the interview Dr. Rodrigo Otoya gave to "El País" after his appointment as President of the Cali Local Organizing Committee for The World Games 2013.

Funding and vision for the games to be held in 17 months are outlined by the entrepreneur and sports executive in his replies to questions by  "El País" journalist César Polanía.

Are the 30 billion Colombian pesos (16. million US$) coming out of the city and departmental governments for the delivery of the games guaranteed?

I believe that they are guaranteed on the part of the City Government, yes, but I would not know how to answer on behalf of the Departmental Government.  There is also work to be done by us in securing resources from the private sector through marketing and promotion of the games.

And how about the 60 billion pesos (33 million US$) pledged by the national government?

Yes, (Colombian) President Santos and COLDEPORTES have made the public announcement already, the funds are available. With the 90 billion pesos that we bring together, we should be able to organize the games at one level with the best of the past. Even more, the International World Games Association discourages organizers from spending in excess of  50 million US$, because it is looking for hosts that have their infrastructure available and ready. And Cali does have it ready! On top, all of it coincides with major construction projects and additions to the public mass transport system. Hence we will be ready in 2013 to put on spectacular games and market the image of Cali to the world.

How will the funds for the delivery of The World Games be managed?

All financial resources coming from COLDEPORTES and the national government will be channeled through Corfecali, where a specific World Games cost center will be managed. The Fondo Mixto will not be involved here.

What can you tell people who are not yet familiar with the event, what will they get to see in Cali during The World Games?

Cali residents and Colombians will, over ten days and during the period of their vacations, be able to follow different sporting competitions. All of the featured disciplines are highly enjoyable for the public to watch; and it all turns into a huge festivity of the sort that cannot be missed by anyone.

What does it mean for Cali to be the host city of the games?

It is very important that Cali is the first South American host to The World Games. Being first adds a special value as these games will develop over time, and as they will gain even more importance worldwide. Cali will be talked about as their venue. To have the clout as a city capable of hosting major events in sports is more an more important.

If you had to sum up the games' benefits for Cali, what would they be?

First: recreation for the people in Cali and for our visitors. Second: a window to the world for us to showcase Cali through the good citizenship that has always characterized our people.