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On Friday, July 21, 2006, Senator Russell will be leaving the territory on a special visit to Columbia's seaport city, Cartagena, to participate in the 20th Central American and Caribbean Games. He will be on an official visit as the president of the U.S. Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation, the Vice President of the 26th Legislature, and the highest ranking elected official attending the games on behalf of the territory. Columbian President Alvaro Uribe officially opened the games on July 15, 2006, highlighting venues in Cartagena and four other cities in Columbia. The 20th Central American and Caribbean Games are intended to mirror the Olympics on a smaller scale and will sponsor competitions in soccer, basketball, baseball, cycling, fencing, volleyball, swimming, rhythmic gymnastics, weightlifting, shooting archery, softball, squash, and canoeing. Closing ceremonies for the games are scheduled for July 30, 2006.
Senator Russell will be departing the territory on Friday, July 21, 2006, and will be returning on Friday, July 28, 2006.
Senator Russell commented, "It is with great honor, pleasure, and a commitment to sports and the sporting community that I am traveling to Cartagena, Columbia as the president of the U.S. Track and Field Federation and Vice President of the 26th Legislature. I have a lifelong dedication to athletics and am pleased to participate in these important games as a former Olympian and elected representative of the territory."
Senator Russell noted, "It is important to recognize the regional significance of these games to the Caribbean and the U.S. Virgin Islands in building bridges and fostering peaceful relations throughout the area. I look forward to celebrating in the activities of these Central and Caribbean Games in Cartagena and will be pleased to report back to the people of the territory on developments abroad."
