Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on Pan Am / Parapan Am Day

TORONTO, July 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, I was pleased to take part in official ceremonies to mark the three-year countdown to the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games—a celebration of sport and culture to which we will welcome thousands of athletes from 41 countries. Today's event featured a variety of sport and cultural activities and launched some unique arts projects to celebrate Pan American culture over the next three years.

Our Government is proud to partner with the Province of Ontario, the City of Toronto, the Toronto 2015 Organizing Committee and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Committees to ensure the success of these Games.

In preparation for the Games, we have committed up to $500 million towards infrastructure requirements, legacy initiatives and essential federal services that will ensure exciting, safe and secure Games for all participants and spectators. This is not to mention our ongoing support for our Canadian athletes, whose determination and dedication make them a source of pride and inspiration for all Canadians.

As Minister of State (Sport), I look forward to seeing our athletes give their all as they take on some of the best athletes from across the Americas in 2015. In addition to providing Canadian athletes with invaluable international competition experience here at home, the Games will have a positive influence on the local, regional and Canadian economy, with infrastructure remaining as a lasting legacy for the sport and local communities for years to come.

Happy three years to the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games!

(media only), please contact:

Jenny Van Alstyne
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Bal Gosal, P.C., M.P.
Minister of State (Sport)
819-934-1122
[email protected]