Pan Am Games 2015
Pan Am Games 2015
As Canadians we have A LOT to celebrate this summer. Toronto is the host city for the Pan Am Games from July 10th – 26th and the Parapan Am Games from August 7th – 15th.The Pan Am Games are the world’s third largest international multi-sport games, only being surpassed in size and scope by the Olympics and Asian Games. Canada has had the honour of hosting the Games twice (in 1967 and 1999, both times in Winnipeg, Manitoba).
With over 48 different sports categories, from archery to beach volleyball to wheelchair tennis, there is definitely a sport for every spectator to watch. However in Niagara we are secretly excited to watch all of the water sports happening right in our neighbourhood. The Canoe/Kayak Sprint is happening at our very own Welland International Flatwater Centre. And the Rowing will be taking place at the Royal Canadian Henley in St. Catharines.
The Welland International Flatwater Centre boasts almost eight kilometres of deep, placid water, making it an ideal spot for hosting fast-paced paddling sports. In fact, the name “Welland” comes from a Celtic word meaning “good river.” In preparation for the Pan Am Games 2015, TO2015 widened a section of the canal to meet international competition standards, built two new buildings, including a timing tower and the athlete centre, added a plaza, start towers and permanent seating for 500 spectators.
In addition, a state-of-the-art, multi-sport training tank has been installed in the new athlete centre. The tank will enable Canadian high-performance athletes and fledging local paddlers to perfect their strokes in the off-season in a controlled testing environment against a variable current. That is what we call commitment and passion!
The Royal Canadian Henley, is the home of the largest rowing regatta in North America. The Royal Canadian Henley is rated as a world-class rowing course by the International Rowing Federation. This venue will be home to 14 men’s and women’s competitions during the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games. The facility has previously hosted the 1970 and 1999 World Rowing Championships, as well as the prestigious annual Royal Canadian Henley Regatta since 1903. We are proud Niagarians!
Check out the Pan Am Sports’ competition schedule and stay on top of your favourite sport.
The Pan Am Games 2015 torch relay is also just around the corner and will be one of the most exciting events leading up to the Pan Am Games. The relay will be a 41-day journey that will ignite the Pan Am spirit in more than 130 communities. Deeply rooted in history and tradition, the initial flame will be lit during a traditional ceremony in Teotihuacan, Mexico, before it travels to Canada. The torch relay will take place from May 30th – July 10th, 2015. Check out the torch relay map here. In Niagara, we have learned that our torch relay date is June 20th.
The competition medals for the Pan Am Games and Parapan Am Games are being designed and produced by the Royal Canadian Mint. The medals will be on display from March 14th – 29th at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. During the games, they will be on display at the Royal Canadian Mint Exhibition space at the CIBC Pan Am Park.
Tickets are currently on hold until the end of March, but once the hold is released, you can purchase tickets here.
Come and share in our enthusiasm and visit Niagara Falls during your Pam Am Games’ journey. At the Courtyard by Marriott, we are one of the most passionate Niagara Falls Hotels when it comes to sports. We are only a 10 minute walk from Niagara Falls and major Niagara Falls attractions, such as Hornblower Niagara Cruises and Journey Behind the Falls. Stay connected with our latest Niagara Falls specials leading up to the Pam Am Games 2015.
Niagara Falls is full of new discoveries every time you visit!
