Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Organizing Committee Names Naki Osutei as Lead of Diversity and Inclusion

TO2015 expands team and expertise

TORONTO, Feb. 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, Ian Troop, Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) formally introduced Naki Osutei as Lead, Diversity and Inclusion for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.

"TO2015 is committed to ensuring diversity is embedded in every aspect of the Games," said Troop. "Naki brings a wealth of experience and is charged with advancing TO2015's diversity and accessibility initiatives internally and externally."

Hitting the ground running, Osutei will focus on recruitment and workplace initiatives, governance and employee communications. She will serve as a resource for TO2015 and work closely with leaders and organizations representing diverse cultures and persons with disabilities from across the province.

"Naki Osutei brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the TO2015 team," said John Tory, Chair, CivicAction. "One of her significant contributions to CivicAction's success has been her ability to bring people together to address challenges and work towards a common goal. This will be instrumental in her role with the Games where achieving TO2015's goals around diversity and inclusion will be dependent on each individual team member, volunteer and resident."

With nearly a decade of experience, Osutei's most recent position as vice-president of strategy at CivicAction involved working with hundreds of partners, government officials, stakeholders and senior volunteer leaders to advise on and advance their key initiatives. She has also been involved in developing Luminato, DiverseCity and the Emerging Leaders Network. While at the Royal Conservatory of Music, Osutei was instrumental to the recent $44 million capital campaign for the new TELUS Performance and Learning Centre and Koerner Hall. Osutei reshaped the scholarship program and helped double its annual revenue.

"The diversity of our population played an important role in Toronto winning the bid" said Osutei. "Now we need to work together—as an Organizing Committee and a region—to ensure that the social and economic values are felt throughout the Games experience. This is a huge opportunity for Toronto and as the Lead of Diversity and Inclusion, I am excited to be part of the team that will make it all happen."

About the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games

The Pan 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). The Games comprise a mix of Olympic Summer Games sports, as well as traditional Pan American sports. The Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games will draw 10,000 athletes and officials and feature 48 sports in 17 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.

Chelsey Gotell
Associate, Communications and Public Relations
TO2015
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]