Security checkpoints for the Junior Pan American Games have been installed in host city Cali as well as the five other sites for the event in Colombia.

As well as Cali, sub-sites at Palmira, Yumbo, Jamundi, Buga and Calima El Darien have had security checks put in place.

Work took place over several days, in which specific security positions were assigned as organisers look to ensure participants' safety.

"The organisation of the Junior Pan American Games Cali-Valle 2021 took a huge step to guarantee the safety of all the people who will take part in the most important event in the Americas this year," said Leonardo Arango, director of security for the Pan American Games.

A total of 700 law-enforcement personnel and 80 others from private security companies are to be distributed across the city and area for the event.

Panam Sports and the Organising Committee added that contingency and emergency plans are being established in collaboration with Government officials.

Cali was the epicentre of riots earlier this year when demonstrators took to the streets to protest against Iván Duque's Colombian Government.

President Duque deployed the military in the city in response, which led to the deaths of more than 60 people in violent clashes, Human Rights Watch recorded.

Protests started over a proposal to lower the tax threshold, meaning a hit for the poorest people in the country.

The Junior Pan American Games were delayed during the unrest - and Colombia stripped of football's Copa América - but Panam Sports insisted that COVID-19 was to blame for it pushing back the event.

Cali 2021 will be the first-ever edition of the Junior Pan American Games, with 41 countries and territories due to compete.

The Games are set to start on November 25, with the Closing Ceremony scheduled for December 5.

Source: https://www.insidethegames.biz