Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity - TO2015 to launch IGNITE - a grassroots program for individuals, community organizations to get more involved in 'People's Games'

Program a first for a multi-sport Games held in Canada

TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Canadian boxer Mary Spencer and schoolchildren from the Greater Toronto Area will officially kick-off the TORONTO 2015 IGNITE program on Tuesday, January 29 in a celebration featuring live music and sport demonstrations.

The event will be a microcosm of the excitement and community spirit the Greater Golden Horseshoe will experience in the summer of 2015 when the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games arrive - thanks in large part to Games enthusiasts and community organizations that join IGNITE.

TORONTO 2015 IGNITE is a grassroots program that invites anyone with a passion for promoting sport, physical activity, recreation, healthy living and/or art and culture to create their own special Games-themed initiative, or put a Pan Am twist on an existing initiative.

In recognition of their commitment and to showcase their excellence, approved projects, events and programs will be awarded the special IGNITE logo.

The IGNITE program marks the first time non-commercial projects have had the opportunity to be officially recognized as part of an international multi-sport Games held in Canada.

What:	Official kick-off for the TORONTO 2015 IGNITE program featuring live performances by Afro-Brazilian percussion group Maracatu Mar Aberto, beatboxers Young Chung and Balu Kanagalingam, and artists Rosa Mindreau and Erick Lopez.
	The IGNITE marketplace will also include boxing workshops with Miranda Kamal and goalball with the Ontario Blind Sports Association (OBSA).
	Media will have an opportunity to interview officials about IGNITE, as well as meet with community organizations, such as SKETCH Working Arts, FitSpirit and the University of Toronto, officially recognized as IGNITE initiatives.
When:	Tuesday, January 29, 2013 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Who:	Mary Spencer, Canadian boxer, Pan Am gold medallist and three-time world champion
	Rahul Bhardwaj, IGNITE honorary chairman
	Mark Strong, G987 FM morning show host
	Ian Troop, CEO of the TORONTO 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games Organizing Committee (TO2015)
Where:	Main floor atrium Corus Quay 25 Dockside Drive Toronto, ON
	Please check in at the media desk in the lobby. Metered parking is available in the lot outside the front entrance of the Corus Quay building.

 

 

 

SOURCE: Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games

For further information:

Teddy Katz
Director, Media Relations and Chief Spokesperson 
TO2015
C: 647.404.5263
[e-mail]