Cisco and TO2015 Unveil Cisco TORONTO 2015 Countdown Clock

 'First of its Kind' Interactive Clock for TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games
Clock will demonstrate 'Internet of Everything' as it counts down to the biggest international Games ever held in Canada

TORONTO, July 11, 2014 /CNW/ - The Cisco® TORONTO 2015 Countdown Clock — a unique made-in-Canada technological innovation unveiled today in Nathan Phillips Square — will connect the Games and fans unlike any countdown clock before.

"We're excited to bring the Cisco TORONTO 2015 Countdown Clock to the heart of downtown Toronto — the first of its kind in the world — and it will be an important landmark for local residents and visitors alike to announce the Games are quickly approaching," said Nitin Kawale, president of Cisco Canada.

"But this is more than just a clock," added Kawale, who officially started the clock. "It's a social portal, enabled by the 'Internet of Everything.'"

The Cisco TORONTO 2015 Countdown Clock, which is decorated in the colourful and dynamic sport pictograms for the TORONTO 2015 Games, features a traditional clock counting down the days and minutes to the start of the Pan Am Games on July 10, 2015, as well as the Parapan Am Games on August 7, 2015 — but that is where the similarities end.

The second component is an interactive touch-screen kiosk that provides visitors with comprehensive Games information at their fingertips. Using the kiosk's photo app, visitors can take a shot of themselves in Nathan Phillips Square, download the photo with their smartphone, and email it or share it via social media from the clock's photo page at ciscotoronto2015.ca.

"As we come together to celebrate our one-year countdown, it's wonderful that our partner Cisco is giving Toronto this incredible new landmark so that everyone who visits Nathan Phillips Square can share in the excitement and feel connected to the TORONTO 2015 Games," said Saäd Rafi, chief executive officer of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015).

The 5.5-metre tall, two-part structure drew enthusiastic applause from both the children and dignitaries in the crowd today when the clock was "woken" from its slumber by a team of Cirque du Soleil stilt acrobats, Brazilian drummers and breakdancers performing a charivari as two BMX cyclists did tricks around the structure.

The special performance was the official kick off to two days of sport and music festivities celebrating the one-year countdown to the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games. Taking place today and Saturday at Nathan Phillips Square, the musical acts are part of PANAMANIA, presented by CIBC. For a full schedule of FREE events for the two-day WE ARE PAN AM: One-Year Countdown festival, visit TORONTO2015.org/one-year.

"For athletes, the Cisco TORONTO 2015 Countdown Clock is a reminder of how close the Games are getting. On behalf of Cisco and as a member of the Canadian handball team, I'm proud to have been there to unveil the clock and look forward to helping my team win a medal on home soil!" said handball goalie Ryan Homsy, a two-time Pan Am athlete and Cisco I Can Achieve ambassador.

The Cisco TORONTO 2015 Countdown Clock will be located at Nathan Phillips Square through to the end of the Parapan Am Games on August 15, 2015. Cisco is a Premier Partner of the TORONTO 2015 Games and its Official Information and Communications Technology Provider.

Quick Facts on the Cisco TORONTO 2015 Countdown Clock:

• Stands 5.5 metres tall (the same height as the average male giraffe).
• Weighs 7.3 metric tonnes (greater than the weight of three 'average' cars combined).
• Uses five kilometres of fibre optic internet cable (more than six times the height of the CN Tower).
• Took 7,000 hours to build.
• Features five screens — each measuring 119 centimetres
• Contains a metal frame with an aluminum cladding exterior
• Fully funded and constructed by Cisco and its partners.

About TO2015
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 the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, giving Ontarians a unique chance to be part of the action, and making the region a hub for sport.

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 American Games will take place July 10–26 and the Parapan American Games August 7–15.

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

News Editors please note: B-roll and photos will be available through an FTP site post-event:

URL: ftp://sawebdev.cax
User: ciscoclock
Password: Countdown

Photos also available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/ciscocanada/.

SOURCE: Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games

For further information: Teddy Katz, Director, media relations and chief spokesperson, TO2015, 416.957.2117, [e-mail]; Karin Scott, Director, public relations, Cisco, 416.306.7164, [e-mail]