Toronto 2015 have welcomed Maglione's appointment with less than three months until the Pan Am Games ©Getty Images

Toronto 2015 have welcomed the election of Julio César Maglione as interim President of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO), ahead of hosting the Pan American Games in the Canadian city this summer.

Maglione, was elected at the PASO Extraordinary General Assembly on Saturday (April 11) and will complete Mario Vázquez Raña term as President, following the Mexican’s death in February, having been held the role since 1975.

The 79-year-old Uruguayan, who is also head of the International Swimming Federation (FINA) and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), was congratulated by Toronto 2015 following his appointment in a statement.

Signed by Toronto 2015 chief executive Saäd Rafi and chair David Peterson, the statement also outlined the Toronto 2015’s willingness to work with Maglione, with less than 100 days until the Pan American Games begin.

“I know the Games will benefit tremendously from his experience, judgement and passion for the power of sport,” the statement read.

“At this critical time for the Games, we are all grateful that he has stepped forward to complete the term of the later Mario Vázquez Raña, which has been such a deep loss for PASO, the Games and the sport community.

“We look forward to keeping in close touch with President Julio César Maglione and our partners at PASO as we deliver these historic Games.”

Former PASO President Mario Vázquez Raña announced Toronto as Pan Am Games hosts in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2009
Former PASO President Mario Vázquez Raña announced Toronto as Pan Am Games hosts in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2009 ©AFP/Getty Images

Toronto is set to host the Pan Am Games from July 10 to 26, with 36 sports set to feature, before the Parapan Am Games due to take place in the Canada’s most populous city from August 7 to 15.

The Games could also be the stage for the presentation of a new constitution and statutes for PASO, with Maglione making the changes a priority.

The changes would then be formally presented to the PASO General Assembly in 2016, where a permanent President will be elected, with Maglione promising that he will not stand for the role.


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