TORONTO, April 14, 2015 /CNW/ - This National Volunteer Week, April 12-18, the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is celebrating the thousands of volunteers from across the nation who dedicate their time and energy to making their communities a better place.
The Organizing Committee is extending a special thanks to the 60,000 people who expressed an interest in volunteering for this summer's Games. "We're both grateful and inspired by the way people from all walks of life have responded to our call and offered to help stage the best Pan Am and Parapan Am Games," said Saäd Rafi, TO2015's chief executive officer. "We are also extremely impressed by the work done by Chevrolet. As the presenting sponsor of the TORONTO 2015 Volunteer Program, Chevrolet plays an important role in supporting our volunteers throughout their journey on the road to the Games."
To raise awareness and motivate volunteers, TO2015 engaged the help of three proud Ontarians who played an important role in igniting the spirit of volunteerism across the Games footprint. A sincere thank you to Canadian actor and comedian Colin Mochrie for his role as the official coach, CFL Hall of Famer Michael "Pinball" Clemons as the official quarterback and Latin singer-songwriter Fito Blanko as the official half-time entertainer of the TORONTO 2015 Volunteer Program.
"TORONTO 2015 volunteers bring so much talent, energy and enthusiasm for the Games. Not only are volunteers helping to stage the Games, they are all enthusiastic champions for the Games." Said Blanko.
To deliver the Games, TO2015 is recruiting a team of 23,000 volunteers. This will be the largest volunteer team in Canadian peacetime history and an incredibly rewarding experience that volunteers will look back on with pride.
There is still a need for volunteers with specialized skills, especially medical doctors and practitioners, and those with advanced French and/or Spanish language skills. Interested candidates with these skills are encouraged to apply at TORONTO2015.org/volunteer.
To celebrate National Volunteer Week, TO2015 released a video to recognize the important work and dedication of volunteers who are helping to make this summer's Games a success. To view the video visit the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Youtube page: https://youtu.be/9PsytWYwhPc.
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
"Volunteering during the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games will provide countless individuals with the opportunity to experience these Games from a unique perspective, and with the knowledge that their role was essential in making the Games a success. During this Year of Sport, we celebrate the role of volunteers who will help deliver the Games and make all Canadians proud."
- The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)
"One of the major benefits of hosting the TORONTO 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games is the lasting legacy it will leave behind. Games organizers will train 23,000 volunteers who will continue to use their skills and experience long after the last medal is awarded, joining millions of dedicated volunteers across the province. These volunteers are in for an unforgettable summer and I know they can't wait to get started."
- Michael Coteau, Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games.
"Volunteers fuel the engine of the Games. Chevrolet and our employees are pleased to support these sometimes-unsung heroes. Volunteers deserve recognition and gratitude, as they dedicate their time and labour toward making the Games experience better for every athlete, visitor and fan of TORONTO 2015."
- Bob McClelland, Brand Director, Chevrolet
SOURCE Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games
Teddy Katz, Director, media relations and chief spokesperson, TO2015, 416.957.2117, [email protected]
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