Pan American Games; Jim Hiser, USA Racquetball’s Executive Director

Jim Hiser, USA Racquetball’s Executive Director, relates the first few days of the Pan American Games Experience for the US Team:

“We all made it to Houston and the athlete processing was very organized and quick. All athletes received an assortment of clothes from Nike: shoes, shirts, shorts and a warm-up as well as Oakley sunglasses. They all thought Christmas had arrived early!

“The next morning at 5 a.m., we boarded a bus for the airport and flew to Guadalajara. It was an easy flight but the weather was terrible--rain and wind. We were met by a group of event volunteers and USA Security officers who guided us through customs with thankfully no problems. We then were bused to the Athletes’ Village in the pouring rain but without any incident. The Village was about two blocks from the bus landing, and we all walked through the rain like good USA soldiers. Once we arrived at the USA dorms, soaked to the skin, we received our keys and a  briefing. The rooms are adequate but certainly not hotel level. We have some very interesting anecdotes about some of the athletes’ experiences, but these will wait for a later time.

“We were not able to schedule practice for the first day since the courts were not ready, so the athletes took the day off and looked around the Village. The Village is really very good. The work-out area matches any fitness club in the USA and the pool , running trails, stores, etc. are all first class. There is even a Dominos and Burger King in the village except the Burger King only sells ice cream--weird!  In the middle of the day, the USA team was honored and the USA flag raised (yes, in the rain). It was really a very nice ceremony despite the weather. That evening was a USA athletes’ meeting, and it was great to see our racquetball athletes treated the same as all other USA Team members.  You could see the pride in each and every one of our athletes as they listened intently to others speak about their pride in representing their country. Most of our athletes have never participated in an event like this. In this atmosphere, all athletes are equal, and the only thing that matters is that you represent your country proudly and do your best. I have no doubt our athletes will do that.

“Another facet that is very different for these athletes is that they have every resource possible available to help with their performance. For security, there are Secret Service agents with us at all times when we leave the village; for physio, there are numerous doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, etc. and even a nutritionist for athletes to speak with; for fitness, we have a trainer available at all times, and for psychology, there have a psychologist available for consultation.  Everything is available to assure the best performance possible.

“Although I have attended every Pan American Games that included racquetball, this Games is the best ever. The Opening Ceremonies was equal to any Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies.  Over 60,000 people greeted our athletes as we entered the stadium. Can you imagine racquetball athletes being cheered on by 60,000 fans?  What a moment of pride and joy!  And the stadium (built especially for this event) was equal to any football stadium in the US: very modern, four levels high with every modern convenience you could imagine.  I am hopeful some of you were able to see the ceremonies on TV -- it was something the athletes and I will never forget.

“Today we practiced at the venue for the first time. The courts are in a complex with many other sports. This will allow our athletes to visit some of the other sports when they are not playing. The courts are very good, very fast, with great viewing and two sidewall courts. The complex has been set up perfectly with individual digital scoreboards that actually show video between points -- very technically advanced.

“The weather has cleared, the athletes are ready, and the venue is great. What a privilege and honor to be here with these athletes and to represent this great sport and this country.  I thank you all for providing me this opportunity.”