Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The new Pan American Beach Volleyball Stadium was inaugurated last weekend as Mayor Salvador González Resendiz kicked-off the NORCECA V Circuit Beach Volleyball games, an event that brought together the best male and female athletes of Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica, United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago.

The mayor welcomed the participants and the authorities of NORCECA and thanked all those involved in organizing this great event. "Today the great celebration of America begins in Puerto Vallarta and I want to wish all teams the best of luck, as this circuit is a qualifier for the Olympics," he said.

NORCECA delegate, Mayra Huerta Hernandez, and Mexican Volleyball Federation representative, Ana Luisa Mondragon, acknowledged the support of city authorities to make this event possible and agreed that this marks the start of the 2011 Pan American Games in Puerto Vallarta.

The Pan American mascots, Huichi, Leo and Gavo, dancing to Batucada music, brought joy to attendees with their humor and charisma. Families also took advantage of their presence to take pictures with these adorable characters.

The opening match showed the men’s team of Mexico and Costa Rica in action, giving people the opportunity to cheer the best ranking couple in our country, Aldo Miramontes and Juan Virgen, who put on an outstanding show.

The opening of this event was also attended by NORCECA Supervisor, Mr. Demian Stuart; Pan American Games 2011 Competitions Director, Laura Almaral; Technical Director, Arnoldo Sanchez; Referee Supervisor, Miguel Angel Ramirez and Municipal Sports Council Development and Youth Support (Consejo Municipal de Fomento Deportivo y Apoyo a la Juventud) Director, Manuel Loza Niño.

The security operation that will be implemented during the Pan American Games was launched during this event, with the presence of members of federal and municipal forces, civil defense and other rescue agencies ensuring the smooth running of this event.