The 2011 Pan American Games were held in Guadalajara, Mexico from October 14 to October 30, 2011. A total of about 6,000 athletes representing 42 National Olympic Committees participated in these Games. Overall, 361 events in 36 disciplines were contested; 188 events were open to men, 160 to women and 13 were in mixed competition. Two disciplines were open only to men: baseball and rugby sevens, while softball and Synchronized swimming were the sports in which only women were allowed to compete. Racquetball and basque pelota returned to the Pan American Games after missing the last edition of the Games and rugby sevens made its debut. New events in fencing, karate, squash, track cycling and water skiing made their debut at the Games.