TO2015 Youth Advisory Council to make its mark on TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games

TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) announced its newly formed Youth Advisory Council. Charged with providing an important perspective on Games planning and in implementing a youth-focused initiative, the council will get to work right away.

"Inspiring and engaging the next generation of leaders is central to the vision of the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games," said Ian Troop, Chief Executive Officer, TO2015. "We want the Games to touch as many people as possible and this council will be the driving voice to ensure the Games are youth-focused and inclusive."

After receiving an overwhelming amount of interest and applications, TO2015 selected 34 members—16 advisors and 18 ambassadors—aged 16 to 24 from across the Games footprint who demonstrated leadership, volunteerism and community engagement. The council is volunteer driven and members will serve on the council until 2015.

The Youth Advisory Council will create a youth-focused project that supports the Games, but also plays an important role in planning and developing opportunities for youth and communities within the Games footprint.

The first official meeting for the group is scheduled next week with Their Royal Highnesses, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, and The Honourable Lieutenant Governor David C. Onley.

"The Government of Canada would like to congratulate the members of the new TO2015 Youth Advisory Council on their commitment to creating a lasting legacy for the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "We all have a role to play in encouraging the love of sport at an early age, and the Council's leadership and enthusiasm will be an inspiration for all young people interested in using their spirit and determination as tools for changing their communities for the better."

"Our young volunteers help inspire others to get involved in the Games and the community," said Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan Am Games. "The McGuinty government's support of the 'People's Games' is creating a legacy of increased volunteerism and community spirit, while engaging the leaders of tomorrow."

"As Host City, Toronto has a keen interest in ensuring the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games have a youth focus," said Toronto Mayor, Rob Ford. "Creating meaningful engagement opportunities that inspire and motivate our youth is an important legacy for the Games and for the future leaders of our communities and our city."

For a full list of the Youth Advisory Council members, please see the attached backgrounder.

About the TORONTO 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games

The Pan American Games are one of the world's largest international multi-sport events, held every four years for athletes of the 41 member nations of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO). The Games comprise all Olympic Summer Games sports, as well as traditional Pan American sports. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games will draw 10,000 athletes and officials and feature 51 sports in municipalities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10-26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-14. For more information about the Games, please visit toronto2015.org.

Backgrounder

Youth Advisory Council Members

Advisor

1. Newton Asare II, Scarborough, ON
2. Nicholas Robson, Toronto, ON
3. Simone Munro, Toronto, ON
4. Zacharie Adore, Mississauga, ON
5. Aldeli Alban Reyan, Toronto, ON
6. Irene Lai, Markham, ON
7. Lali Mohamed, Toronto, ON
8. Bethany Coke, Ajax, ON
9. Alexis David, Minden, ON
10. Domanique Grant, Toronto, ON
11. Jielin Lui, St. Catharines, ON
12. Zachary Waslenko, Richmond Hill, ON
13. Alita Fernandez, Scarborough, ON
14. Lindy Kinoshameg, Toronto, ON
15. Olivia St. Jean, Toronto, ON
16. Cynthia Berringer, Etobicoke, ON

Ambassador

1. Alexandra M. Da Silva, Mississauga, ON
2. Danny Fee, Toronto, ON
3. Melanie Lindayen, Toronto, ON
4. Daniel Ng, Markham, ON
5. Arabi Rajeswaran, North York, ON
6. Mehrunnisa Kharodia, Cambridge, ON
7. Kimberley Ann Ramcharan, Brampton, ON
8. Imran Khan, Toronto, ON
9. Funmilola (Lola) Lawson, Toronto, ON
10. Alexander Levy, Toronto, ON
11. Kianna Bonnick, Whitby, ON
12. Zachary Cox, Minden, ON
13. Sydney Lang, Oshawa, ON
14. Freddy King, Scarborough, ON
15. Nene-lye Bundu, Brampton, ON
16. Michael Pratas, Hamilton, ON
17. Gabriela Gonzalez, Toronto, ON
18. Gerome Manson, Toronto, ON

SOURCE: Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games

For further information:

Carlene Siopis
Communications Advisor
TO2015
[e-mail]
c: 647.206.0259