THE TORONTO 2015 PAN/PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES UNVEILS LOGO

Symbols rooted in history, culture and tradition to express the joy of sport

TORONTO, Sept. 29 /CNW/ - The Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games today unveiled its official logo at a spectacular community-based street party with hundreds of participants from every community across the GTA and the Golden Horseshoe celebrating youth, sport and diversity.

The vibrant, curved design of the logo, which will become the recognizable symbol of the Games, is inspired by the figurative styles of pre-Columbian aboriginal art forms throughout the Pan Americas. It also draws on ancient sport traditions - specifically the Mezzo-Americans (including Aztec and Mayan cultures), which are linked to the first use of rubber balls in sport as early as 1600 BC.

"Our new logo is the result of rigorous research, development and testing with key groups of stakeholders including Pan American community leaders, arts and cultural organizations and athletes.  We are thrilled with the way it reflects our shared heritage, collaboration and commitment to the timeless passion and joy of sport - and our Toronto 2015 rallying theme: United We Play," said Ian Troop, CEO of Toronto 2015.

"Today's launch of the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games look is an exciting milestone as we prepare for the Games," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport). "The new look will be the face of the Games. Hosting international sport events like this brings significant benefits, not just to the region, but to the country as a whole. See you in Toronto in 2015!"

The Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games will be the first major, international multi-sport games in Canada's most populous region in 80 years.  Significantly larger than the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games will be staged throughout 17 municipalities from Oshawa to Toronto to Niagara Falls, where more than 50 sport venues will host 48 different sports and events.

"The new brand captures the spirit and excitement of the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.  It will inspire our efforts to make these Games an unforgettable experience — for the athletes and their families, Ontario's families and visitors to our province," said Margarett Best, Ontario Minister of Health Promotion and Sport.

"With our diverse cultural richness, we will be able to truly create a Festival of the Americas to connect and celebrate the cultures, art, music and performance of the Americas and the Caribbean to elevate the Games and inspire and transform a generation to work together to create healthy, active communities of tomorrow."

About the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
The Pan American Games is one of the world's largest international multi-sport events, held every four years for athletes of the 42 member nations of the Pan American Sport Organization (PASO).  The Games comprise a mix of Summer Olympic Games sports, as well as traditional Pan American sports.  The Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games will draw 11,000 athletes and officials and feature 48 sports in 17 municipalities across the Golden Horseshoe.  The Toronto 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10-26, 2015 and the Parapan Games August 7-14, 2015.

A still logo image is available for one-time media use only at:
http://www.toronto2015.org/lang/en/news/toronto-2015-unveils-logo.html

BROLL is available on CNW ON-DEMAND:
http://cnw.pathfireondemand.com/viewpackage.action?packageid=394

Broll features clips of:

• Ian Troop, CEO, Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games
• Animated version of the new Toronto 2015 logo
• 15 separate messages from participating municipalities
• Interview with champion swimmer Tara Van Beilen
• Track & field, swimming visuals

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information:

Elissa Freeman, Toronto 2015
416.565.5605
[email protected]

Diane Hargrave Public Relations
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]