Discussions to take place over next four months to determine future path of Pan American Sports Organization

The future shape of PASO will be discussed in more detail over the next four months following today's General Assembly ©ITG

A workshop to decide upon the future progress of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) has been convened following a General Assembly held here today dominated by tributes for Cuba's Reynaldo González López.

González López, who tragically died on Sunday (July 5) aged 66, was praised in a heartwarming tribute at the opening of today's event by PASO President Julio Maglione before further reflections from figures including International Olympic Committee (IOC) head Thomas Bach.

He was described as someone who had contributed hugely to the growth and development of PASO, and was still answering emails and speaking to other officials just hours before his death.

His passing was the second such blow to the continental federation this year following the death of longstanding President Mario Vázquez Raña, with the future path to be taken following his demise still being plotted today.

No details were given on the procedure for selecting a long-term replacement, with Maglione only serving in the position on an interim basis, while a new constitution drafted by Canada's Michael Chambers was also not discussed in details.

This constitution will now be sent to National Olympic Committees for study over the next four months before further deliberations are set to take place in October, it was revealed.

Reynaldo González López was constantly remembered and praised during today's PASO General Assembly ©PASO

But more details were provided about other changes, as well as timetables for more concrete measures to be put in place, which should happen at a yet-to-be-confirmed meeting held during the Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly in Washington D.C. at the end of October.

This includes the convening of the workshop, which will discuss "what PASO wants to be", as well as whether is wants to host more Beach and Youth Games in addition to the Pan American Games and whether an update of administrative and management structures is required.

An update was also given on the re-organisation of PASO's office in Mexico City, and the establishment therein of a new administrative structure completed with the hiring of two new employees and the technical renovation of existing computer equipment.

Updates were also provided by Organising Committees for the Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019 Pan American Games, as well as next year's Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, sporting action here in Toronto began today with the first match in the women's water polo competition, an 11-11 draw between Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

United States thrashed Mexico 25-3 before a 7-7 draw between Brazil and hosts Canada in other women's matches, while Brazil edged the Canadians 11-9 in the men's event.

The US also dispatched Ecuador 27-0 while Venezuela and Mexico fought out a 9-9 draw.

Action continues at the Atos Markham Centre tomorrow ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the Games on Friday (July 10).