December 11, 2012 (Toronto, ON) – Every Canadian athlete eligible to compete in the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games will be fully supported, thanks to a record funding injection to National Sport Federations (NSFs), the Canadian Olympic Committee announced today. The one-time $2.6 million boost will be divided between all summer NSFs with sports included in the Pan American Games program.
“It’s amazing to know that any athlete who qualifies to compete in Toronto 2015 will have the support to go,” said Pan Am and Olympic Games silver medallist in Trampoline Jason Burnett. “In the past, there have been financial constraints around who is able to go and it’s wonderful to hear that it won’t be the case this time. Not only is it a great chance to be part of a home Games, but it’s also crucial experience for any athlete hoping to reach the next Olympic Games in Rio in 2016.”
“As the host nation, Toronto Pan Am Games is a priority for the Canadian Olympic Committee,” said COC President Marcel Aubut. “A successful Games also means a strong and successful Canadian Team on the field of play. Therefore the COC is proud to double its investment in support of Canada’s Team. This will result in the largest Team Canada has sent to the Pan Am Games. This funding will ensure, every athlete who can compete, will compete at Toronto 2015.”
Toronto 2015 is an opportunity to showcase Canada’s full range of exceptional summer athletes, as well as to highlight the city’s capacity to successfully host a major sporting event. A major part of delivering a world-class Games includes ensuring a full team of our highly prepared Canadian athletes follow the Maple Leaf into the stadium during the opening ceremonies.
“These will be Canada’s ‘home team’ Games,” said Ian Troop, CEO of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee. “Today’s commitment from the COC to send the strongest possible team in 2015 will raise the level of play – and excitement – for everyone. It’s a bold challenge to the 40 other countries in the Games to send their very best to compete.”
Today’s $2.6 million boost to the Toronto 2015 team is part of the almost $100 million overall investment in High Performance Sport over the next four years announced in November 2012. Funded 98 per cent by the private sector, this historic investment is part of the Canadian Olympic Committees performance partnership with the National Sport Federations to ensure best-in-class performance both on and off the field of play.
“As a proud supporter of the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, our government is pleased to learn of the Canadian Olympic Committee’s investment that will ensure that all qualifying Canadian athletes have a chance to compete in this prestigious event,” said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “We look forward to cheering on a full strength Toronto 2015 Canadian Team as they take on the Americas in less than three short years.”
“The McGuinty government’s commitment to hosting an excellent 2015 Games – the ‘People’s Games’ in Ontario – is benefiting our economy, our communities and our athletes,” said Michael Chan, Ontario Minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games. “With the Canadian Olympic Committee’s support, delivering the best Games now includes developing the best Team Canada.”
“This generous funding from the Canadian Olympic Committee will contribute greatly to the success of Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games and the City as we continue to prepare for this exciting event,” said Toronto City Councillor Grimes.
The Pan Am Games will be held from July 10 to 26, 2015.