The Cali 2021 Junior Pan American Games were not only the inaugural edition of the new continental multisport event, but also represented the first regional Games ever live streamed on the Panam Sports Channel. In order to entertain sports fans across the eight daily channels of live sports action, the Channel hired sports broadcasting talents from a variety of countries including Venezuela, Costa Rica, Cuba, Panama, Chile and the host nation of Colombia, among others. Given the predominantly Spanish-speaking audience, all of the on-camera talents were native Spanish speakers with a few who were capable of some bilingual reporting in English. However, no native English speakers were on the broadcast team and fans sent us comments asking for more English language coverage of the Games.

Although I was in Cali working in my official capacity as the Panam Sports Communications Manager, the Channel team asked if I’d be interested in providing some English language commentary, particularly for the sport of 3x3 Basketball. I enthusiastically accepted the offer and was thrilled for the new challenge and opportunity to combine my passion for basketball with my dream of doing live commentary. I was able to join Germain Jaspe in the booth at the Pan American Courts for Day 2 of the 3x3 tournament. Despite the challenges presented with not viewing the first day of competition, having to respond and offer bilingual commentary with my Venezuelan colleague and it being my first sports broadcasting experience, I fit seamlessly into the transmission and let my passion and knowledge for the sport shine.

I received rave reviews from my colleagues, bosses, fans and even the tournament organizers who appreciated my enthusiasm for the sport as well as the smooth mix and transitions between Spanish and English that we were able to provide. I also received constructive criticism and positive feedback from our producers that helped me improve the experience for both myself — namely my vocal cords — and the listeners over the final two days of the competition. We witnessed three days of incredible basketball from the U-23 athletes and transmitted the rapid-fire action for viewers across the world who tuned in to the live broadcast. I’ll never forget my first broadcast experience that was filled with high-flying dunks, clutch buckets and an incredible atmosphere from the Colombian fans throughout every game. We even saw history made before our eyes in the 3-pt Shootout event as Chile’s Jovanka Ljubetic tied the world record with 17 points (See video below). The Panam Sports Channel recorded the semifinals and finals of the men’s and women’s tournaments where we were joined by our Costa Rican colleague Johanna Solano who added extra insight to our bilingual commentary. The semis and finals are available to watch on-demand in the links provided below.

Watch the Men’s Gold Medal Final
Women’s Gold Medal Final
Women’s & Men’s Semifinals