Toronto Pearson joins TO2015 as Official Welcome Partner of Pan Am and Parapan Am Games

TORONTO, June 3, 2013 /CNW/ - The TORONTO 2015 Games are taking flight with the help of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), which is joining its sponsorship family with Toronto Pearson International Airport becoming the Official Welcome Partner and Official Supplier of Airport Services for the Games.

In this role, Canada's largest airport will warmly welcome the tens of thousands of athletes, spectators, media and dignitaries from the 41 Pan American countries coming to take part in the largest multi-sport Games, ever hosted in this country.

"We are delighted to join the Pan Am team as the Official Welcome Partner of the Games. Toronto Pearson is looking forward to supporting athletes and guests alike, and welcoming them to the GTA for this great event," said Pamela Griffith-Jones, vice president of guest and terminal services for the GTAA.

"We understand our role as the first and last impression of the region for air travellers. So we are pleased to partner with the TORONTO 2015 Games to help create wonderful memories from the time our visitors' planes touch down until they return home to countries throughout the Americas and Caribbean," she continued.

Mayor Hazel McCallion (Mississauga) was on hand today for the announcement at Toronto Pearson, along with Michael Chan, Ontario Minister Responsible for the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games and Chief Executive Officer for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015), Ian Troop.

The airport will be a critical component for the operational success of the Games. Last year, almost 35 million travellers passed through Pearson, including close to 12 million international visitors. On a typical day, the airport sees about 95,000 guests travelling to and from more than 180 cities worldwide and is well positioned to handle the extra traffic at Games time.

As Official Welcome Partner of the Games, Toronto Pearson will have brand ambassadors on site in the summer of 2015 to provide a welcoming celebratory atmosphere for athletes and visitors. The airport will, along with TO2015 and other sponsors, bring the Games to life at Toronto Pearson through mascot appearances, retail space for Games merchandise, culture and art display spaces highlighting the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and a special area where athletes, officials and dignitaries can receive their Games accreditation.

"The airport will be the gateway to the Games for the majority of the athletes coming here to compete in 766 days," said Ian Troop. "Our partnership with Toronto Pearson will ensure these athletes — as well as up to tens of thousands of visitors — have a great experience from the moment they arrive to the time they leave in 2015. Our goal is to create unforgettable memories that have people planning their return to Canada and Ontario before they even leave!"

Toronto Pearson International Airport joins previously announced members of the TORONTO 2015 sponsor family: Lead Partner CIBC, Premier Partners Chevrolet Canada and CISCO, as well as Official Suppliers Pattison Outdoor Advertising, FUSE Marketing Group and the Toronto Star, and Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada.

"The 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games will contribute to economic growth and long-lasting prosperity for the region and the rest of our country," said Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal. "Our Government is pleased the GTAA will play an official role in this unique international event. This will ensure our countless visitors experience the warmest and friendliest greeting when they set foot on Canadian soil."

"Hosting the 2015 Games is truly a team effort and we are proud to have the Greater Toronto Airports Authority join us as we prepare to host the largest international games ever held on Canadian soil," said Michael Chan, Ontario's Minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games.  "Ontario's support for the Games is strengthened by our partners ensuring we maximize positive economic benefits, develop world-class sporting infrastructure and firmly place Ontario on the world map as a premier sporting destination come 2015 and beyond."

"It is great to have the GTAA as a partner for the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games," said Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion. "There is no doubt that Mississauga, home to Toronto Pearson, the country's busiest airport, has a key role in welcoming the athletes, coaches and their families to this competition.  The GTAA is a valued partner and great corporate citizen."

About the Greater Toronto Airports Authority
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, the largest airport in Canada and one of the largest in North America in terms of passenger and air cargo traffic.  In 2012, Toronto Pearson handled 35 million passengers.  The focus of the GTAA continues to be on competitiveness, growing the airport's status as an international gateway, meeting the needs of our travellers and ensuring the long-term success of the organization, our airline customers and the regional economy.

About TO2015
The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is tasked with the responsibility of planning, managing and delivering the Games. Its mission is to ignite the spirit through a celebration of sport and culture. The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10−26 and the Parapan American Games August 7-14.

The 2015 Games are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, as well as other partners and sponsors. CIBC is the Lead Partner of the Games.

For more information about the Games, please visit toronto2015.org.

SOURCE: Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games

For further information:

Teddy Katz
Director, media relations and chief spokesperson
TO2015
C: 647.404.5263
[email protected]