They were awarded the event following a vote of the Panam Sports Executive Committee, being chosen ahead of Santa Ana in El Salvador and Monterrey in Mexico.

The election was held after a week-long Evaluation Commission visit to Cali and Santa Ana last month, as well as presentations by all three candidate cities.

Known as Colombia's "Sports Capital", Cali had hosted the Pan American Games in 1971. 

"Cali is a city that gives us all the guarantees and a sense of calm," said Panam Sports President Neven Ilic.

"It has the experience, it has the passion. 

"Colombia is a leader in the development of sports in our region, so I am very happy."

Ilic added: "I also want to thank the other candidate cities for the great work they did. 

"I know that this is very sad for them, but that is sport and they must continue working so that in the future they could be able to host a Games."

Cali also hosted the World Games in 2013.

"We are very happy, but at the same time we will be sure to strictly comply with the requirements of Panam Sports to deliver an excellent Games," Baltazar Medina, President of the Colombian Olympic Committee, said. 

"For us, the time is too short, but we have the peace of mind that we have the most important thing needed for the Games and that is the infrastructure. 

"What we have to do now is prepare the home of these Games and motivate all of the athletes."