Guadalajara, Mexico - “At 100 days until the Pan American Games, we are ready,” was the message of Jalisco Governor Emilio Gonzalez Marquez after having presented the Pan American Torch at the Scotiabank Aquatics Center earlier this week.

The governor said that Jalisco is ready to show Mexico and the world that it’s capable of doing great things. Since 1995, Jalisco has worked on getting the Games so that the world would not only know that Jalisco is a fusion of Mexican identity, but that Jalisco is a developed and prosperous state where a promising future is being built.

“That is what the torch represents, the icon of a new Mexico, one that struggles and strives and projects a renewing force and opens its arms to everyone. This will be more than a competition, this will be the opportunity to promote peace and unity and reform the conviction that despite our differences, we are bound by brotherhood to seek solidarity amongst people,” he said.

Gonzalez Marquez reminded everyone that the start of the torch relay will be August 26 and will kick off the welcome celebration for the 6,000 participating athletes. The Pan American Games will leave the state with the most advanced sports infrastructure of Latin America, which has not only generated jobs but will also nourish new generations of athletes.

“The Pan American Games are good news for Mexicans. Through them, we will show the true face of the country, of hard working people, to millions of witnesses of the event. I am grateful to the Federal Government headed by Felipe Calderon Hinojosa and Pan American Sports Organization President Mario Vazquez Raña. These are your Games, the Games of Mexico; at 100 days away, we are ready, we are ready, we are ready,” concluded Jalisco’s Governor.

The Pan American Gala ended with a concert hosted by actress Jacqueline Bracamontes included musical artists such as: Ninel Conde, Lupita D’Alessio, Yuri, Mijares, Napoleón, Benny Ibarra, Edith Márquez, Celso Piña, Reyli Barba, Pablo Montero, Carlos Cuevas, Paty Cantú, and Belanova, a group that is also a Pan American Ambassador. They were all given the commemorative countdown to the Games shirt that reads “I’m at 100 days.”

Swimmers also participated in the event by showing off their abilities in the shimmering pool.