Be the Heart of the Games!

Chevrolet helps drive volunteer recruitment for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Games
Colin Mochrie, The Second City add comedic zing with viral volunteer video

TORONTO, April 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Eager to represent your country and community? A sports fan or culture maven? How about a community booster or a student looking to gain invaluable experience?

Well, the wait is over! The official online volunteer portal for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games is now live at TORONTO2015.org/volunteer.

Presented by Chevrolet, the volunteer recruitment drive is searching for more than 20,000 amazing, passionate and skilled people, aged 16 and up to make these Games truly great.

"As an athlete, I know first-hand how much volunteers contribute to the growth of sport in Canada and to our communities," said midfielder Dwayne De Rosario, who plays for Toronto FC and competed for Canada at the Winnipeg 1999 Pan Am Games. "I would encourage all Ontarians to sign up today to volunteer for the TORONTO 2015 Games. Volunteers really do make a difference and these Games are a huge deal for our city and province."

Exciting volunteer positions are available in 16 Ontario municipalities, from Welland to Minden Hills, Hamilton to Oshawa in all areas of the Games, from anti-doping and medical services, protocol and the Games-time news service, to ticketing, venue management and ushers in venues.

"Behind every amazing moment at the TORONTO 2015 Games will be our volunteers," said Saäd Rafi, CEO of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015). "They will be the backbone, the ambassadors and the heart of the Games — they will represent the best of us.

Along with having fun," he continued, "our volunteers will have the opportunity to make friends from around the world, learn new skills and make a positive impact on their communities. But most of all, they will forever feel pride when they see what they've helped accomplish!"

The volunteer campaign officially kicked off today with the premiere of The Coach, the video uses one of Canada's greatest exports: comedy. Renowned quick wit Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyway) and The Second City comedy troupe, famed stomping ground of now-famous Canuck comedians, are behind the tongue-in-cheek take on volunteerism. Check out the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwIKcARPTIM.

"One of the best traits a volunteer can have is a great sense of humour," explained Mochrie, an improv comedy icon and frequent volunteer. "Being able to laugh at yourself — and share a laugh with others — will really help the athletes and visitors feel at home here in Toronto."

Some applicants will be seasoned veterans, while others may be volunteering for the first time in their community. The skills they bring to the Games will be as diverse as their ages and cultures. Those with additional language skills in French, Spanish and Portuguese are especially encouraged to apply.

"The TORONTO 2015 volunteer team will be the engine of the Games, and Chevrolet is committed to helping inspire their energy and enthusiasm to make great things happen," said Rob Assimakopoulos, general director of marketing and communications for Chevrolet, a Premium Partner of the TORONTO 2015 Games.

"An organization's greatest strength is its people, and by tapping into the power of possibilities, our volunteers will unlock the true potential of these Games and deliver an exceptional experience for all involved," added Assimakopoulos.

The online volunteer application takes about 20 minutes to fill out and captures information about skills and experience, preferences and availability. Selected candidates will be asked to undergo interviews, starting in June 2014. Positions will be offered from September 2014 and continuing up to Games time.

"Through the volunteer program, individuals and communities across this country will be united by the shared goal of delivering Games that will make Canadians proud," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "That is just one of the many reasons our Government is pleased to support the TORONTO 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games."

In addition to an unforgettable experience, all volunteers will receive a keepsake uniform, training, as well as earn a volunteer certificate from the Province of Ontario, recognizing their Games training to help them stand out in today's job market.

To enable students to volunteer for the Games, the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is offering benefits for college and university students. For more information, visit ontario.ca/education-and-training/osap-benefits-panparapan-am-games-volunteers.

"The Government of Ontario is proud to provide education, experience and expertise for our 20,000 volunteers who will help host the largest international multi-sport Games held on Canadian soil," said Michael Chan, Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games. "The first of its kind in the province — the new volunteer certificate program and online gateway will foster a vibrant volunteer base that will help strengthen skill sets and leave a lasting legacy of volunteerism in Ontario long after the Games."

City of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford said: "Much like Vancouver experienced four years ago, the volunteers of the TORONTO 2015 Games will fill the streets of Toronto in the summer of 2015, acting as wonderful ambassadors for all of us to the world. We encourage everyone to sign up today and help show the world what our city can do!"

About TO2015
The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is tasked with the responsibility of planning, managing and delivering the Games. Its mission is to ignite the spirit through a celebration of sport and culture. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10−26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-15.

The 2015 Games are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, as well as other partners and sponsors. CIBC is the Lead Partner of the Games.

For more information about the Games, please visit TORONTO2015.org.

Image with caption: "The Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario, kicked off the Volunteer Program, presented by Chevrolet, for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games this morning at the TO2015 offices in Toronto. (CNW Group/Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140407_C8827_PHOTO_EN_38915.jpg

Image with caption: "TO2015 kicked off the Volunteer Program, presented by Chevrolet, with athletes, volunteers, government and corporate partners at the TO2015 offices in Toronto this morning. (CNW Group/Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140407_C8827_PHOTO_EN_38916.jpg

SOURCE: Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games

For further information:

Teddy Katz
Director, Media Relations and Chief Spokesperson, TO2015
416.957.2117
[e-mail]