There
were hundreds, even thousands who devoted their time, their energy
and imagination into the creation of these Games and the Parapan
American Games that
follow. Hosted by Canada...and the first in the Province of Ontario,
the Games are being held in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and 17
other 'Golden Horseshoe' communities. This marks the largest
multi-sports event in
Canada
in terms of athletes competing (over 7100) from North America, South
America and the Caribbean Islands.
These Games are a precursor to the upcoming World's, whereby the
athletes compete as individuals and for team positions in
preparation for Rio de Janeiro's Olympic Summer Games 2016. Athletes
from the Parapan Games will be selected from this event to qualify
for Rio's Summer Olympics in 2016.v
Not only new structures were designed and built, facilities upgraded
for required venues...putting this core area of Ontario on the
map...it is the amalgamation of athletes who amass for one unified
purpose.
The organization committee expected 23,000 volunteers for both Games
~ over 63,000 applicants applied...providing part-time jobs for High
School, College and University students...and many others. A senior
in my complex was given the assignment of driving VIP vehicles.
The medals were produced by the Royal Canadian Mint...the raw
minerals (gold, silver, copper) coming from 3 Pan American
countries...and were aboriginal-designed. (Details on these unique
medals, I wrote about previously.)
3000 torchbearers travelled about 20,000 km throughout Canada
beginning on May 30 in Toronto.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation(CBC) covered the media in both
English and French.
Pachi,
the Porcupine
was revealed as the Official Mascot of the Games.
The Four Host First Nations' role welcomed the world to Vancouver's
2010 Winter Games.
(The 'aboriginal pavilion' was the most visited of any pavilion
there.)
The Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation welcome the Americas
to Toronto.
Their Incentive: The Games will have a positive influence on youth
and their future choices.
The Games give us a chance to inspire our youth to become future
athletes.
Success is really important for Aboriginal People.
Together We Are One
as sung by Serena Ryder...was the selected Theme Song of the Games.
We are one; we are beautiful.
It's undeniable we are all the same.
Who's to say what's right or wrong
Cause we all belong...United we stand.
We're strong when we walk together.
Together we can sing much louder.
Louder than any voice alone.
With the strength of a thousand soldiers
We can climb any mountain higher,
Higher, higher, higher.
Stand up...together put your hands up.
You're not alone...together we are one.
Sing with me to the rhythm of your heart beat.
You're not alone...together we are one.
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Together we are one.
Whoa, whoa, whoa,
Together we are one.
It's true, there is no obstacle.
We are unstoppable.
No power can divide one foot in front of the other.
One hand in another...the miracle of one.
Stand up. Together put your hands up.
You're not alone; together we are one.
We are one.
We are beautiful.
We are strong.
We are one.
We are one.
We are beautiful.
We are strong.
We are one.
Merle Baird-Kerr...composed July 16, 2015
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