The 14th Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic came to a successful conclusion on Sunday night, as closing ceremonies were held in Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Stadium in Santo Domingo.
The festivities concluded 16 days of events involving 42 countries, and included the passing of the Pan American Sports Organization flag from Dominican officials to Cesar Maia, mayor of Rio de Janeiro. Brazil will host the Games in 2007.
The United States captured 117 gold, 81 silver and 72 bronze medals for a games-leading total of 270. American swimmers broke 19 Pan Am Games records on the way to winning 21 gold medals and 46 overall. In track and field, Americans had an impressive haul of 34 medals, including 14 gold. But U.S. sprinter Mickey Grimes, who won gold in the 100 meters, was one of three winners to have medals stripped after he failed a drug test, which showed high traces of ephedrine.
Cuba had the second-best medal haul with 150, including 72 gold. Canada won 29 gold medals and 125 overall, and Brazil earned 27 golds and 140 total.