December 22, 2014 (Toronto, ON) – The TO2015 Young Reporters Program is a training initiative open to one young sport management or journalism student from each of the 41 countries and territories of the Americas participating in the TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games. The program will take place in Toronto from July 9 to 20, 2015, with young reporters arriving on July 8, 2015, and departing on July 21, 2015. This will be an opportunity for those new to the sport industry to gain additional experience by participating in the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games. This program is similar to an initiative that began at the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games and has continued on at the Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games and other international sporting events.

Beginning in the April of 2015, chosen candidates will be required to attend live monthly webinars and complete pre-Games projects to build their knowledge about the Games and available roles. Once candidates have arrived in Toronto, the program will include two full days of interactive training, lectures and networking opportunities with experts from the sport industry. Young reporters will be equipped with new skills and a broader understanding of the Games and the industry. On July 10, 2015, participants will begin their field work as part of the Press Operations team and will use their skills in roles within the department at competition venues and at the Main Press Centre.

Qualifications
The program is open to qualified candidates between the ages of 20 and 25 who demonstrate a keen interest in sport management and/or journalism. Candidates must be enrolled in sport management or journalism programs (university, college or technical schools) or young professionals already working full?time in the sport industry. All young reporters must be able to speak, write and communicate in English (Spanish, French and Portuguese are considered an asset). All participants must be able to be in Toronto for the entire duration of the TO2015 Young Reporters Program (July 8 to 21, 2015).

Selection Process
National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will provide candidates with information about the TO2015 Young Reporters Program. Candidates will email their application to YoungReporters@toronto2015.org by January 9, 2015. TO2015 Press Operations will review applications to ensure all requirements are met and will provide the NOCs with a short list to make the final decision on the candidates. NOCs must submit their selection by February 18, 2015. Successful candidates will be notified the week of February 23, 2015.

Cost
Chosen candidates will be provided with economy class airfare to and from Toronto, dormitory style accommodation, and breakfast, lunch and dinner for 13 nights. Should participants wish to stay beyond the duration of the TO2015 Young Reporters Program, they will be responsible for sourcing and providing their own accommodation and meals at their own cost.

Application Requirements
Those wishing to participate in the TO2015 Young Reporters Program must complete the application form, submit a resumé and answer the following points in one 500 word essay or article. The essay or article must be within the word limit and incorporate both points:

1) The mission of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games is to ignite the spirit through a celebration of sport and culture. Describe the ways sport and culture have ignited your spirit.

2) Why do you want to participate in the TO2015 Young Reporters Program?

Candidates may only complete one application. Duplicates will not be considered. Candidates must be between 20 and 25 years of age by June 30, 2015.

Candidates must complete and pass a background check and any other relevant security clearance.