OLG Celebrates 40th Anniversary of WINTARIO with Support for Local Charities and TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay

TORONTO, May 13, 2015 /CNW/ - Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) is celebrating the 40^th anniversary of WINTARIO – Ontario's first provincial lottery game. The anniversary was marked with a celebration today at Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square where OLG previewed its support of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Torch Relay and introduced the "All for Community Challenge" initiative, which builds on WINTARIO's legacy of support in local communities throughout the province.

The first WINTARIO lottery draw was broadcast live on TV on May 15, 1975 from the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto. As part of today's celebration, former WINTARIO host Faye Dance shared memories of her time travelling across Ontario with the live broadcast. For 22 years, WINTARIO held its draws across the province, in big cities, small towns and even smaller villages, giving away hundreds of thousands of dollars in lottery prizes and creating great legacies in each of those communities. Faye highlighted the important contributions WINTARIO grants made in communities such as the building of recreation centres, arenas and art galleries.

Today's WINTARIO celebration was also attended by World Trampoline champion, Olympic and Pan Am gold medallist Rosie MacLennan. Rosie spoke about the importance of supporting amateur athletics in Ontario. Since January 2006, OLG's Quest for Gold program has provided $93 million in support for Ontario's amateur athletes and their coaches.

Beginning May 30, 3,000 torchbearers will carry the Pan Am flame that will share the Pan Am spirit in more than 130 communities. OLG will celebrate the torch relay in dozens of those communities with exciting day and evening events. The Pan Am flame will make its final stop July 10, 2015 at the Opening Ceremony of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games.

In the proud tradition of WINTARIO, and central to OLG's support for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay, is the "All for Community Challenge" initiative which celebrates the work of local charities throughout Ontario. Select local charities will have an opportunity to vie for a share of $10,000. Just as the torch relay will leave behind indelible memories of the excitement of the games, the "All for Community Challenge" will help local charities create lasting legacies in dozens of communities.

Spectators at today's WINTARIO celebration were also able to enter a draw for a chance to win one of 20 pairs of tickets to the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.

For more details on today's event and to share your experiences, go to Twitter and use the hashtag #allforhere.

OLG is a provincial agency responsible for province-wide lottery games and gaming facilities. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $40 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. OLG's annual payments to the Province have helped support health care; education, research, prevention and treatment of problem gambling; amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program; and local and provincial charities. OLG is a Premier Sponsor of the TORONTO2015  Pan Am / Parapan Am Games.

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Image with caption: "From left to right: Nneka Elliott of CP24, Natasha Ramsahai of CityTV and Ritchie Favalaro of CHUM-FM each awarded big money for their favourite charities following OLG’s “All for Community Challenge” - Media Edition. (CNW Group/OLG Winners)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150513_C4123_PHOTO_EN_16604.jpg

Image with caption: "Former WINTARIO host Faye Dance (L) and Olympic Gold medallist Rosie MacLennan at OLG’s 40th Anniversary of the first WINTARIO draw (CNW Group/OLG Winners)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150513_C4123_PHOTO_EN_16605.jpg

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