We are less than 100 days until the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / Parapan Am Games and as Mayor, I am truly excited about the opportunity to welcome athletes; coaches; teams; and sports’ enthusiasts from global communities, to our world-class city.
The Games will be the largest international multi-sporting event Canada has ever hosted. There will be more than 10,000 athletes from 41 countries competing in 51 sport disciplines. We are anticipating 250,000 visitors, and over 1.4 million tickets being sold. There will be more than 30 competition venues spread across 16 municipalities in Ontario.
Our Mississauga’s Sports Centre will host seven differing competitions, including: judo; karate; taekwondo; wrestling; goalball; powerlifting; and wheelchair rugby. Ours will be the only venue that has competitions every day of the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.
I want to thank the entire City of Mississauga staff for all the tremendous work they have undertaken to ensure we are prepared for the Games. I am confident that the over 10,000 athletes and officials – from North and South America – will feel right at home in Mississauga.
Many people will be travelling through Mississauga to attend the Games. We have a plan to move people through the City easily to ease congestion and get them where they are going. We also have plans in place to keep people safe.
As we work to ensure the Games run smoothly this is truly an opportunity for the 14 municipalities across the GTHA to come together and welcome the world to Ontario and Canada. I encourage everyone to purchase tickets and to share in the lasting memories as part of these celebrated Games.