MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico - The inauguration of the Central American Games was postponed on Saturday because of a waterspout that caused the collapse of scaffolding at the Olympic Stadium and five people were injured.
"Due to inclement weather we had to make the decision to postpone, not cancel, the opening of the games (Sunday). On Monday, the cauldron is lit and the party continues," said Felipe Perez, chairman of Games Organising a press conference.
Among those affected were three people with serious injuries, including an unidentified elderly man who suffered the amputation of three fingers. Another person came out with back injury and less than three years old had a hand injury.
"The inauguration will be held at 5 pm on Monday and all athletes who wish can participate in it," added Perez.
The police colonel of Puerto Rico, Francisco Carbo, said there were no guarantees of security in the area of the stadium for fear that the incident could be repeated.
"We are mobilizing all the people who are in the area, and debris, because it is expected that at least two more and debris torrents could become projectiles," said Carbo.
But despite the problems, organizers remain motivated and optimistic that the Central American Games will be a success.
"If these Games are something is to have joined the wills of all. We are fighting for these are the best Central American and Caribbean Games in history," said Mayagüez Mayor José Guillermo Rodríguez.
Several vehicles were completely destroyed by the collapse of the scaffold, where some workers gave the finishing touches on the lighting of the José Figueroa Stadium.
The Central American and Caribbean Games begin Saturday and conclude on August 2. Sporting activities are scheduled to start on Sunday.
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