TORONTO, April, 16, 2015 /CNW/ - On the occasion of National Volunteer Week, the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015), the City of Toronto, represented by Mayor John Tory, and Pan Am/Parapan Am athletes hosted a recognition event to celebrate the contributions and dedication of hundreds of TO2015 advisory committee members and pre-Games volunteers.
The event was held to recognize and thank the hundreds of community and advisory group volunteers who have given their time over the past three years to help ensure the success of this summer's TORONTO 2015 Games.
"Hosting the Pan and Parapan Am Games is a unique opportunity for our city," said John Tory, Mayor of Toronto. "The Games offer Torontonians the chance to be part of a great sporting event, and to take part in a unique cultural experience. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered and worked so hard to bring the Games to Toronto."
The event featured appearances by Elise Marcotte, Olympian and Team Canada's assistant chef de mission for the Pan Am Games; Benoît Huot, Paralympic multi-medallist, swimming, and CIBC Team Next mentor; Greivis Vasquez, TO2015 global ambassador and Toronto Raptors, and a performance by TORONTO 2015 ambassador and Canada's queen of R&B/soul Jully Black.
Tonight's event also celebrated Pan Am tickets going back on sale, alongside the Parapan Am Games tickets, which went on sale March 23.
"The excitement for this once-in-a-lifetime event is building," said David Peterson, TO2015 chair. "This is an incredible opportunity for athletes, spectators and volunteers. Now that tickets are available for both the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, this is the time to be making plans to be part of the action. I know Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe are ready to host all the excitement."
Great seats still remain for many events, including the preliminary rounds of basketball and football, where fans can see two games for the price of one at each session. There are also excellent opportunities to see top baseball prospects from the Americas compete. Tickets for can be purchased at TORONTO2015.org/tickets.
About TO2015
The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10–26 and the Parapan American Games August 7–15. The TORONTO 2015 Games are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, as well as Lead Partner CIBC and other partners and sponsors.
The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is tasked with managing and delivering the Games. It is working to bring some of the world's best athletes and artists to Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, giving Ontarians a unique chance to be part of the action, and making the region a hub for sport.
For more information about the Games, please visit TORONTO2015.org or follow @TO2015, @TO2015_fr (French) or @TO2015_es (Spanish).
Quotes Page
Benoît Huot, Paralympic multi-medallist, swimming, and CIBC Team Next mentor:
"I am so excited to compete on home soil in front of friends, family and fellow Canadians. I truly believe the Parapan Am and Pan Am Games will inspire the next generation of champions. These Games represent a really special moment for all the athletes competing and representing Canada. I encourage all Canadians to make their way to Toronto this summer to cheer for our athletes."
Elise Marcotte, assistant chef de mission to Team Canada for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games:
"Our athletes are ready and are in their final stages of preparation to compete against the Americas here on home soil. Tickets are back on sale today, so please get behind Canada's athletes and take this rare opportunity to support them in our very own Greater Golden Horseshoe."
SOURCE Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
TO2015: Teddy Katz, Director, media relations and chief spokesperson, 416.957.2117, [email protected]; City of Toronto: Bev Kurmey, Sr. communications advisor, 416.392.9418, [email protected]
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