Culture to Feature Prominently at 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 17, 2014) - Department of Canadian Heritage

Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal today announced $6 million in funding for celebrations and community and cultural activities to be held during the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.

Funding will be allocated as follows:

• Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games - Community Celebrations Fund - $3.6 million
  
  
• Games Celebrations Venue - $1.4 million
  
  
• extension of Torch Relay route - $1 million
  
  

The Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games - Community Celebrations Fund is a two-year initiative that will support cultural activities throughout Canada in connection with the 2015 Games.

The Games Celebrations Venue will present cultural experiences and performances for thousands of Canadians and visitors.

The Torch Relay will forge ties between participants while showcasing our history, accomplishments, cultural diversity and vast geography.

Quick Facts

• Toronto 2015 celebrations and community and cultural activities will showcase Canada's culture, history, heritage and official languages, as well as Canada's engagement in the Americas.
  
  
• This funding comes from what was committed by the Government of Canada to the 2015 Games-up to $500 million.
  
  
• The Toronto 2015 Games will be one of the largest multisport events ever hosted in Canada.
  
  
• The XVII Games in 2015 will mark the third time Canada has hosted the Games. Winnipeg hosted the V Games, in 1967, and the XIII Games, in 1999.
  
  

Quotes

"This funding will allow Canadians across the country to experience and celebrate the 2015 Games. In addition to being an international sport event, the Games will be an opportunity to put our heritage in the spotlight, promote Canadian culture, and increase Canada's engagement in the Americas."

-Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"Hosting the 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games is a source of pride for Canadians, and our Government is pleased to be a part of this great adventure. Canada's innovation and sport excellence will be honoured as we welcome athletes, coaches, officials, artists and visitors from 41 countries and territories all across the Americas."

-Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)

"The 2015 Games are a significant opportunity to celebrate our achievements in athletic excellence and showcase our unique identity, culture and diversity in the global arena. The Government of Ontario proudly welcomes the support of our Games partners, the Government of Canada, TO2015, the City of Toronto and all our host municipalities that play an important role in enriching the experience of the 2015 Games for residents and visitors alike."

-Michael Chan, Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games

"The City of Toronto is proud to be the official Host City for the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. Today's announcement will help put the Toronto Games on the international stage and showcase our local artists, along with the breadth and diversity of our rich cultural landscape. Toronto looks forward to hosting an event that will be a true fusion of sports, culture and community. We extend our thanks to the Government of Canada for its support."

-Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto

"The Toronto 2015 Games are more than a sport event. They're a chance to tell the world who we are. In 2015, this cultural celebration will tell our story through music, dance and public art, while shining a spotlight on our talented artists."

- Saäd Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, TORONTO 2015

Associated Links

- 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games Federal Cultural Strategy

- Harper Government Investment in the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games

- TORONTO 2015 Sport Legacy Fund Plan Announced by TO2015, Government of Canada, Province of Ontario

- Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on the Announcement of the 2019 Pan and Parapan American Games Host City

- Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am

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