Ottawa shows interest in the Pan Am Games
Posted Jul 29, 2010 By Katie Stewart
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Tweet ThisEMC Sports - Ottawa has shown interest in being a part of the 2015 Pan American Games, which will be taking place in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The 17th annual Pan Am Games, which will take place from July 10-26, bring athletes from over 40 countries in North and South America to compete in various sports from baseball and diving to rhythmic gymnastics and sailing.
While all the competition will take place in Toronto, a group from Ottawa has let the province know that they are interested in being a part of the games, by being a pre-competition site for preliminary eliminations and practices.
"We are the nation's capital and there's a lot we can offer. It should be a celebration for all cities in the province," said Gloucester-South Nepean ward Coun. Steve Desroches. Coun. Desroches, Cyril Leeder, president of Senators Sports and Entertainment, Noel Buckley, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism, and Dick Brown, executive director of Ottawa Gatineau Hotel Association met with the province earlier in the month to discuss Ottawa's involvement.
"We expressed our interest at the meeting and highlighted the advantages Ottawa has" said Mr. Leeder, adding that the city wasn't the first to express interest and they won't be the last.
Coun. Desroches explained that for as many as 30 days, participants of the Pan Am games would have the opportunity to come to Ottawa and acclimatize to Canada, see our capital, and begin to gear up for their competitions.
"I think we have a good provincial benefit and we can be a part of the games along with the GTA," he said, adding that because all taxpayers in the province will be assisting in the funding, there should be opportunities for cities to economically benefit from them.
Ottawa has many advantages that the athletes could benefit from, such as an international airport, two universities that offer world-class sports facilities, lodging and accommodation, and cultural things to see and do, the group argues. Ottawa also has experience and expertise in hosting large sporting events like the World Junior Hockey Championships in 2009 and the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in 2007.
"It could really showcase our city, our province, and our country," said Coun. Desroches.
Through the lodging, hospitality, restaurant, and transportation sectors, Ottawa could see a huge economic benefit, as well as increased volunteer and job opportunities.
"There is an opportunity for us to capitalize on it. It could have a significant economic impact," said Mr. Buckley.
While they are still in the very early stages of the proposal, the group has
began the discussion and hope to begin speaking with universities, officials, as well as take part in some political discussion to begin creating a formal presentation.
kstewart@theemc.ca
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