1937 Summary

The Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games at the Greater Texas and Pan American Exposition took place in the Cotton Bowl at 8:00 PM on Thursday July 15, 1937, and were broadcast over a Dallas radio station. In attendance were the Governor Allred of Texas, Games Director George P. Marshall, Exposition President Fred Florence, and Assistant Secretary of War Col. Louis Johnson. The official guests were greeted by a nineteen gun salute at 5:30 PM. After reviewing a military honor guard, the officials attended a Rudy Vallee radio broadcast from 6-7 and then enjoyed a buffet luncheon. At 8PM sharp a trumpet fanfare accompanied the arrival of the official party at the tribune of honor. The Parade of Nations then began led by the 11th Infantry Band. The 200 athletes from 10 Nations were led by placard bearers and flagbearers in the following order: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, and United States. Jim Reynolds carried the Stars and Stripes at the head of the United States team. Once the athletes lined up on the field, the flagbearers formed a semicircle around the rostrum. The "Cavalcade of the Americas" acting group then recounted Pan American history from the native americans to the present. Neil McIntosh, a member of the Chilean team, then took the Pan American oath. Next the Friendship Flame of the Americas was lit, and a special Pan American Games Flag was raised The President of the Exposition, Fred Florence, spoke briefly before introducing the Games Director, George P. Marshall. Mr. Marshall introduced Governor Allred who addressed the athletes: "Mr. Chairman, y mis amigos---...Their coming here evidences the fine feeling among all of us. May North and South America continue these peaceful relations and give to all the world a pattern by which the world may settle its disputes." Finally, the Governor introduced Secretary Johnson. The Secretary brought greetings from President Franklin Roosevelt, regrets from Postmaster General James Farly (Honorary Director-General of the Games) that he was unable to attend, and congratulations for Mr. Marshall. He then continued: "While the Pan American Union was organized in 1890, this is the first time that Pan American countries have met on the field of sports. I am sure that this crowd and this enthusiasm with which these distinguished visitiors have been entertained at Dallas on behalf of the United States means that these games are but the forerunners of many similar Pan American Games which will be held in all their countries with the United States as one of the participants. In these games, we recognize neither race nor creed. We are the nations of the Western Hemisphere, gathered on the field of sport, hoping that a better understanding of our nations, between whom there is now no national difficulties, may further and perpetuate the cause of peace in this hemisphere...And that is the spirit of this Nation. You who have come from the North and the South, have come as ambassadors of goodwill. The treatment that you will receive in hospitable Dallas will send you home as ambassadors of goodwill and peace between your countries and ours." The athletes then marched out in reverse order. The ceremony ended at 8:50 PM, after which the first soccer match took place.





OPENING CEREMONY The Opening Ceremony of the Pan American Games at the Greater Texas and Pan American Exposition took place in the Cotton Bowl at 8:00 PM on Thursday July 15, 1937, and were broadcast over a Dallas radio station. In attendance were the Governor Allred of Texas, Games Director George P. Marshall, Exposition President Fred Florence, and Assistant Secretary of War Col. Louis Johnson. The official guests were greeted by a nineteen gun salute at 5:30 PM. After reviewing a military honor guard, the officials attended a Rudy Vallee radio broadcast from 6-7 and then enjoyed a buffet luncheon. At 8PM sharp a trumpet fanfare accompanied the arrival of the official party at the tribune of honor. The Parade of Nations then began led by the 11th Infantry Band. The 200 athletes from 10 Nations were led by placard bearers and flagbearers in the following order: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela, and United States. Jim Reynolds carried the Stars and Stripes at the head of the United States team. Once the athletes lined up on the field, the flagbearers formed a semicircle around the rostrum. The "Cavalcade of the Americas" acting group then recounted Pan American history from the native americans to the present. Neil McIntosh, a member of the Chilean team, then took the Pan American oath. Next the Friendship Flame of the Americas was lit, and a special Pan American Games Flag was raised The President of the Exposition, Fred Florence, spoke briefly before introducing the Games Director, George P. Marshall. Mr. Marshall introduced Governor Allred who addressed the athletes: "Mr. Chairman, y mis amigos---...Their coming here evidences the fine feeling among all of us. May North and South America continue these peaceful relations and give to all the world a pattern by which the world may settle its disputes." Finally, the Governor introduced Secretary Johnson. The Secretary brought greetings from President Franklin Roosevelt, regrets from Postmaster General James Farly (Honorary Director-General of the Games) that he was unable to attend, and congratulations for Mr. Marshall. He then continued: "While the Pan American Union was organized in 1890, this is the first time that Pan American countries have met on the field of sports. I am sure that this crowd and this enthusiasm with which these distinguished visitiors have been entertained at Dallas on behalf of the United States means that these games are but the forerunners of many similar Pan American Games which will be held in all their countries with the United States as one of the participants. In these games, we recognize neither race nor creed. We are the nations of the Western Hemisphere, gathered on the field of sport, hoping that a better understanding of our nations, between whom there is now no national difficulties, may further and perpetuate the cause of peace in this hemisphere...And that is the spirit of this Nation. You who have come from the North and the South, have come as ambassadors of goodwill. The treatment that you will receive in hospitable Dallas will send you home as ambassadors of goodwill and peace between your countries and ours." The athletes then marched out in reverse order. The ceremony ended at 8:50 PM, after which the first soccer match took place.

	SCHEDULE Thursday July 15, 1937 8:00 PM -- Opening Ceremonies 8:30 PM -- Soccer - Argentina vs. United States Friday July 16, 1937 8:00 PM -- Preliminary Heats - 60m Dash, 80m Hurdles, and 200m Run 8:30 PM -- Soccer - Canada vs. United States Saturday July 17, 1937 8:00 PM -- Finals - 60m Dash, Shot Put, Pole Vault, High Jump, 400m Run, 80m Hurdles, Discus Throw, 1500m Run, 200m Run, Javelin Throw, Broad (Long) Jump, 800m Run, and 5000m Run. Sunday July 18, 1937 8:00 PM -- Start of the Marathon 8:30 PM -- Soccer Final - Argentina vs. Canada (high scorer of tourney official winner) 10:30 PM -- Approximate Finish of Marathon Aug 12, 13, and 14, 1937 Boxing Tournament

		RESULTS Click here for Soccer results of the 1937 Pan American Games. Click here for Athletics results of the 1937 Pan American Games.