TORONTO, Sept. 19, 2013 /CNW/ - The Six Nations of the Grand River and the TORONTO 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The agreement represents a framework for Six Nations of the Grand River participation in Ceremonies, special events and dignitary welcomes, along with an opportunity for members to realize employment, volunteer, business and product development opportunities associated with the Games.
"The MOU signifies our commitment to the Games and represents an opportunity to showcase the beauty and vibrancy of our community and the gifts, knowledge and talents of our people," said Chief William K. Montour.
Ian Troop, TO2015 CEO, added: "We are delighted to have Six Nations as a partner of the Games. The community has a long history of commitment to sports culture in this country. There was Tom Longboat in distance running, Gaylord Powless in lacrosse, as well as Waneek Horn-Miller, who was a Pan Am gold medallist and Olympian in water polo. More recently, of course, there's Jesse Smith in golf."
"Our Government is proud to have the Six Nations of the Grand River working in partnership with the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "This is a great opportunity for our country to share an important part of our collective heritage with the Americas and the Caribbean, and demonstrates Canada's pride for First Nations peoples."
Chief Montour also extended an invitation to the athletes, coaches, trainers, Games' officials, corporate citizens, government officials and the anticipated thousands of tourists to visit Six Nations and participate in Six Nations arts and culture, which includes the Grand River Champion of Champions Powwow and other events leading up to and during the Games.
"The 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games are an incredible opportunity to proudly showcase our unique identity with athletes and spectators from within our borders and beyond," said the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.
"As an integral part of our vibrant province, the involvement of Aboriginal peoples and their cultures will be essential in demonstrating and celebrating Ontario's heritage, history and identity as we welcome the world," he added.
In the future, Chief Montour would like the inclusion of lacrosse to be considered for future elite multisport competitions, such as the Pan Am Games. He envisions hosting and delivering cultural activations that talk about the origins of the sport, drawing upon the strength and knowledge of the Six Nations people who continue to market and promote the virtues of lacrosse, which is a Haudenosaunee gift to the world.
About Six Nations of the Grand River
The Six Nations of the Grand River is the largest populated First Nations community in Canada, with a total membership of over 26,000, located approximately 25 kilometres southwest of Hamilton between the cities of Brantford, Caledonia and Hagersville in the heart of the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The community is a short drive from Toronto, the Canada-U.S. border, major railway lines, many major highways and three international airports.
About TO2015
The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is tasked with the responsibility of planning, managing and delivering the Games. Its mission is to ignite the spirit through a celebration of sport and culture. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10-26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-14.
The 2015 Games are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, as well as other partners and sponsors. CIBC is the Lead Partner of the Games.
For more information about the Games, please visit TORONTO2015.org.
SOURCE: Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
For further information, please contact:
Teddy Katz
Director, Media Relations and Chief Spokesperson, TO2015
C: 647.404.5263
[email protected]
Kevin Sandy
Pan Am Games Coordinator
Six Nations of the Grand River
226.922.9097
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