Comptroller axes Ironman event

ONE OF   Panama’s few  international sporting events, that has drawn world wide  attention  and thousands of visitors for four years, is no more.

Ironman 70.3 did not receive the necessary economic support from the State.

The event which involved professional and amateur athletes who came from around the world accompanied by trainers and supporters, and also involved local competitors, cost $1.3 million per year, but was axed by the Comptroller Comptroller General who did not authorize its continued funding.

Earlier in the year the Comptroller  gave the thumbs up to  a $35 million plan to redevelop parts of Parque Omar, which was finally abandoned after protests from outraged residents and Civil organizations.

The Ironman  decision was announced by the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP), the Panama City.

Mayor’s Office and the Triathlon Union of Panama.

The comptroller has not responded to questions about the decision.

Last year, 1,300 athletes attended the event, which also acted as a qualifier for the world championships.

The comptroller had initially endorsed the funding for four years, but that agreement lasted only through  2016 reports La Prensa.