MEXICO CITY, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Canadian city Toronto Friday was awarded the right to host the 2015 Pan American Games.

    In a secret ballot by the Pan American Sports Organization, Toronto won on the first round with 33 votes, eliminating Lima, Peru, which received 11, and Bogota, which earned 7. One vote of the 52 was invalid.

    Canada has held the event twice - in Winnipeg in 1967 and 1999.

    Lima had already spent 350 million dollars to boost sports facilities and security in its capital city ahead of the Games.

    Peru's President Alan Garcia told a Mexican broadcaster that the bid had boosted Lima's international fame, even though the city did not win.

    "It is tough because it is the first time Lima has taken part. The most important thing was to take part and show our faces," he said.

    Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe did not speak to media after the announcement, but said that Bogota had earned the Games, because it had enhanced security so much in recent years.

    Guadalajara will host the Games in 2011. Brazilian city Rio de Janeiro hosted the last games in July 2007.