Statement by Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) following TO2015 Coordination Commission Français
TORONTO, April 18, 2013 /CNW/ - With 812 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games, the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) today congratulated the Organizing Committee for the excellent headway it has made on plans to deliver a fantastic Pan Am and Parapan Am Games experience.
From April 16 to 18, PASO conducted its first Coordination Commission visit with the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) in Toronto.
Ivar Sisniega, a three-time Olympian from Mexico and first vice-president of PASO, led the seven-member delegation from the Americas. The group toured many of the venues to get a first-hand look at the progress. It also met with several TO2015 departments to discuss preparations for the upcoming Games, including an overall update on the sport program, venues, marketing and a wide variety of operational areas.
"Since being awarded the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games in 2009, Toronto has worked hard to create a Games plan that promises a world-class experience for athletes, spectators and visitors," said Sisniega at the conclusion of the visit.
"During our brief visit to Toronto this week, we've been deeply impressed by the attention to detail TO2015 and its partners have embedded in all aspects of planning for 2015. They have hired staff with a formidable level of expertise in staging Games, and they're ahead of schedule in key areas. Their success to date bodes well for the future of these Games."
Members of the commission were joined today in Toronto by Mario Vázquez Raña, president of PASO, before taking part in a tour of the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletes' Village construction site. Vázquez Raña was impressed to see the village site close to half completed.
"Toronto promises a wonderful atmosphere for the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games in 2015. After all, Canada has shown in the past that it knows how to put on excellent Games and we expect great things," said Vázquez Raña. "TO2015 has clearly heard our goals for these Games — I believe they can be the best ever held — and has taken the advice and experience of PASO members, as well as lessons from past Games held in the region, to heart. We will continue to keep a watchful eye on their progress. But all signs point to a great games in 2015."
The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games, which start July 10, 2015, will involve more than 8,400 athletes, coaches and team officials from 41 nations in the Americas and Caribbean competing in 36 sports. More than half of the Olympic sport competitions will be qualifiers for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
SOURCE: Pan American Sport Organization (PASO)
Pan American Sports Organization
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Teddy Katz
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