TO2015 Opens Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre

Thousands to Pass Through in Preparation for the Games

TORONTO, April 28, 2015 /CNW/ - The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre (UDAC) is now open and ready to serve the Games-time workforce.

Launching the UDAC signals another exciting step towards Games readiness. Accreditation will be provided for staff and volunteers, contractors and suppliers, a group that encompasses food services, ticketing, facilities and security at every venue and celebration space.

The UDAC will operate for 96 days, between April 28 and August 15. As many as 573 volunteers will work as part of the uniform and accreditation teams for a total of 46,165 hours by July 31. Chevrolet, the presenting sponsor of the TO2015 Volunteer Program, is supporting the volunteers who will make the Games a success.

The launch of the UDAC also represents the unveiling of the staff and volunteer uniform, which was designed and manufactured by Joe Fresh as part of Loblaw's Premier Partnership with the Games.

"Our volunteers and our sponsors are the most valuable assets we have, and the UDAC is a place where you see those strengths come together," said Saäd Rafi, chief executive officer, TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015). "This centre will ensure we have the people in place to stage a great Games. At the same time getting buildings and venues ready to host the Games is in full swing. All this activity is a powerful reminder that the Games are almost here."

TO2015 has received an outpouring of interest from Ontarians hoping to volunteer and take advantage of what, for many, will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. TO2015 is assembling a team of 23,000+ volunteers from across the Games footprint and beyond, who will work in all areas of the Games.

"Chevrolet is proud to be the presenting partner of the volunteer program for the Games," said James Hodge, Chevrolet Canada.  "Volunteers fuel the engine of the Games, and can be difference-makers in creating great experiences.  They deserve recognition and gratitude, as they dedicate their time and labour toward making the Games experience better for every athlete, visitor and fan of TORONTO 2015."

About Chevrolet in Canada
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.ca, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/chevroletcanada or by following @ChevroletCanada on Twitter.

About TO2015
The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10–26 and the Parapan American Games August 7–15. 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 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 Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, giving Ontarians a unique chance to be part of the action, and making the region a hub for sport.

For more information about the Games, please visit TORONTO2015.org or follow @TO2015, @TO2015_fr (French) or @TO2015_es (Spanish).

UDAC (Uniform Distribution and Accreditation Centre) Fast Facts

• 96 operating days between April 28 and August 15
• 160 uniform volunteers have been trained
• 415 accreditation volunteers have been trained—150 of these have primary assignments at the UDAC and approximately 250 will rotate through the UDAC
• 46,165—the number of hours UDAC volunteers will work by July 31 (includes both uniform and accreditation volunteers)
• 875 sessions will be available to staff and volunteers to pick up their uniforms
• The uniform team will serve between 48 and 126 clients per hour
• The accreditation team will serve between 78 and 286 clients per hour
• 1,512--the maximum number of clients provided uniforms each day during the peak period (June 23 to Games-time)
• 3,000--the maximum number of clients provided accreditation each day
• 171,600 uniform items were received on 12 tractor-trailer loads on more than300 pallets over a five-day period

SOURCE Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games

For further information: Teddy Katz, Director, media relations and chief spokesperson, TO2015, 416.957.2117, [e-mail]