By Danielle Marinho
Around 7,600 athletes from Latin America, South America, North America and around the world will be in Ontario in 2015 to compete for a Gold Medal in 30 venues located in 16 municipalities across southern Ontario. They will put their years of intense training, perseverance and sacrifice to the test in world-class competitions in 36 Pan Am sports and 15 Parapan Am sports at the 2015 Games. Forty-one countries will make the TO2015 Games a memorable experience from July 10–26 and the Parapan American Games from August 7–15.
The Pan American Games are the world’s third largest international multi-sport Games.
The Games are focused on delivering an affordable, accessible public ticketing program for all. TO2015 general ticket sales are priced from $20, and around 75% of tickets at $45 and under. Also, half-price tickets are available for those under 16 years of age, and over 65 starts at $10.
According to Michael Coteau, the Minister Responsible for the Games: “We’re committed to making these the most accessible Games ever, giving all Ontarians an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see incredible top-level international competition right here at home. With 11 Games-time venues already open and serving athletes, communities and families across the province, the people of Ontario are already experiencing the benefits these Games are bringing.”
OPENING CEREMONY
The Opening Ceremony will feature a one-night-only performance by Cirque du Soleil and the lighting of the cauldron. 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 Pan-American games will be the last large collective competition before the Summer Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. It is an opportunity to evaluate the performance of several sports generally, and more specifically it is an opportunity to evaluate the performance of the athletes in depth.
Some of the sports, like handball, for example, are qualifying for the world cup and it can also guarantee a place in the upcoming Summer Games. Since Brazil will be the host in 2016, several sports modalities have already guaranteed their spot in the games.
According to the Executive Superintendent of Sports for the Brazilian Olympic Committee, Marcus Vinícius Freire, the main focus of the Brazilian participation will definitely be in the upcoming 2016 Summer Games in Rio. “The Pan-American games are an important step for some sports because they take place one year before the Olympic Games. The BOC is committed to securing a place in the top 3 in the number of medals”
He added that the results achieved in 2013 – when Brazil won 27 medals in several sport categories at the Olympic level – demonstrate that there has been a a continuous development of our national athletes.
Total number of vacancies secured by Brazil:
Athletics – 24 vacancies; Basketball – 24 vacancies; Bowling – 4 vacancies; Slalom – 6 vacancies; Canoeing – 21 vacancies; Karate – 4 vacancies; Cycling – 24 vacancies; Football – 18 vacancies (female team); Artistic Gymnastics – 12 vacancies; Rhythmic Gymnastics – 6 vacancies; Gymnastics Trampoline – 2 vacancies; Handball – 30 seats; Equestrian – 9 places: Jumping Team and Training Team; Weight Lifting – 8 places; Wrestling – 2 athletes; Swimming – 36 slots: Figure skating: 2 vacancies; Modern Pentathlon – 4 vacancies; Rowing – 18 vacancies; Rugby – 24 vacancies; Archery – 5 vacancies; Shooting – Rifle and Pistol – 16 vacancies; Shooting – Trap – 9 seats; Triathlon – 1 seat; Sailing – 8 vacancies.
TO2015 Mascot
Do you know PACHI? PACHI is the official mascot of the TO2015 – a young porcupine who grew up just west of Toronto in a forested area of the Niagara Escarpment. Pachi isn’t your typical porcupine; he’s outgoing and loves to explore new places and meet new friends. And while there are some prickly challenges in being accepted as a porcupine, Pachi is out to prove otherwise.
What a joy to find soneome else who thinks this way.