Fourteen partners drawn from Aboriginal communities in Greater Golden Horseshoe region
TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) announced its 14 Aboriginal Leadership Partners, drawn from the Games Host Region.
The group, comprised of key Aboriginal leaders, communities and organizations, will drive planning, engagement and communications efforts between TO2015 and the Aboriginal community to deliver successful Games. The partners will create an engagement strategy for economic development, volunteer recruitment, arts and culture, as well as youth engagement.
The work of the Aboriginal Leadership Partners will be assisted by Aboriginal Elder, Mark Criger.
"TO2015 is committed to ensuring diverse communities in the Greater Golden Horseshoe area are engaged in the Games. The leadership and experience of the Aboriginal Leadership Partners are paramount to bringing Aboriginal communities to the Games planning table," said Ian Troop, Chief Executive Officer, TO2015.
Chaired by Chief Bryan LaForme of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations, the 14 Aboriginal Leadership Partners include representatives from the following:
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations
Six Nations of the Grand River
Métis Nation of Ontario
Chiefs of Ontario
Huron-Wendat Nation
Aboriginal Sport and Wellness Council of Ontario
Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
Hamilton Executive Directors Aboriginal Coalition
Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training
Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres
Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre
Two-Spirited People of the First Nations
"As chairman, I look forward to bringing together the diverse Aboriginal communities from across the Greater Golden Horseshoe area," said Chief Bryan LaForme. "We have a unique opportunity to work together and really be part of these Games."
In April 2012, TO2015 appointed Kenn Ross as Senior Manager, Aboriginal Relations, to work with the Aboriginal Leadership Partners. He will oversee the planning and operations of the partners and provide support to TO2015 on youth engagement, employment, economic development, legacy, volunteers, and arts and culture.
About the TORONTO 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games
The Pan American and Parapan American Games are one of the world's largest international multi-sport events, held every four years for athletes of the 41 member nations of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) and 26 member nations of the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC). The Pan American Games are comprised of all Olympic Summer Games sports, as well as traditional Pan American sports, while the Parapan American Games are comprised of the majority of Paralympic Summer Games sports. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games will draw more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and team officials and feature 51 sports in municipalities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10−26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-14. For more information about the Games, please visit TORONTO2015.org.
SOURCE: Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
Carlene Siopis
Communications Advisor, TO2015
C: 647.206.0259
[email protected]
Chief Bryan LaForme, Chair, ALP
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation
T: 905.768.1133
[email protected]
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