Majority of new and upgraded venues ready, finances in solid shape to host Games
Media call with TO2015 senior leadership team at 11 a.m. TODAY

TORONTO, May 22, 2015 /CNW/ - With finishing touches happening on competition venues and the start of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay just days away, the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is putting the finishing touches on preparations to host the largest international multi-sport Games ever held in Canada.

"In the last few months, TO2015 has made a number of significant announcements, from unveiling our stunning medals to selecting more than 23,000 amazing volunteers, heralding the imminent arrival of the TORONTO 2015 Games," said Saäd Rafi, chief executive officer of TO2015.

"At the conclusion of fiscal 2015, with the guidance of our board and partners, TO2015 is in great shape to deliver a world-class, fiscally prudent Games that will make Ontarians and Canadians proud," he added. "Both the Pan American Sports Organization and the Americas Paralympic Committee have deemed us ready for the Games, and the excitement is building in our communities."

"In just 49 days, these Games will showcase the best of us as Ontarians open their doors to share in the celebration of the remarkable athletes competing here in pursuit of their lifelong dreams."

One of the most significant signs of the region's readiness to host the Games is the substantial completion of the majority of the new and/or upgraded venues needed for the Games, including most recently the CIBC Hamilton Pan Am Soccer Stadium, the Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Course and the Centennial Park Pan Am BMX Centre.

In the final quarter of fiscal 2015 (FY 2015, Q4), TO2015's total venue construction expenditures were $15 million. Project-to-date venue construction expenditures amounted to $551.7 million, representing 82.1 per cent of the total capital budget of $672 million.

TO2015's operating expenses were $128.9 million for the quarter and were predominantly spent in the areas of overlay, technology, sport operations, events and ceremonies, transportation and logistics. To date, the Organizing Committee has spent $344.5 million or 44.7 per cent of its total operations budget of $770 million.

Like the Province of Ontario, TO2015's financial reporting follows the fiscal year, which ends March 31, rather than the calendar year. This is why the bulk of the Organizing Committee's operating expenses will be spent in fiscal year 2016.

TO2015's latest financial graphs and infrastructure budget are available at TORONTO2015.org. The financials have been reviewed by the TO2015 Audit Committee.

TO2015's senior leadership team will be available to the media at 11 a.m. (ET) today. For details on how media can dial in, please see below.

Other recent and upcoming highlights include:

• All tickets are now available for sale at TORONTO2015.org/tickets and include the use of public transit to the majority of Games venues. To date, more than 400,000 tickets have sold.
  • In addition to telephone and online buying, Ticketmaster will operate ticket outlets at select venues closer to Games time.
    
    
• TO2015 and its provincial transportation and security leads have held approximately 60 community engagement sessions for residents and businesses, stakeholder meetings and council briefings in all 16 municipalities home to Games venues, reaching thousands to help them plan ahead for travelling during the Games. Venue maps, travel tips and a business guide are available at Ontario.ca/games2015.
  
  
• Well-known Canadians such as Colonel Chris Hadfield (former Commander of the International Space Station), Simon Whitfield (Olympic gold medallist, triathlon), Amanda Martinez (singer-songwriter) and Alexandre Bilodeau (two-time Olympic gold medallist, freestyle skiing) will be among the familiar faces taking part in the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay, which runs from May 30 to the Opening Ceremony on July 10. The Parapan Am Torch Relay will start August 3.
  
  
• On May 6, TO2015 revealed the major music headliners scheduled to perform free outdoor concerts during PANAMANIA, presented by CIBC. They include the Flaming Lips, Calle 13, The Roots and A Tribe Called Red. The 35-day arts and cultural festival will feature more than 1,300 artists in 250 performances and exhibitions across Toronto from July 10 to August 15.
  
  
• More than 400 Canadians, including hip-hop dancers and youth, have taken part in Cirque du Soleil's auditions for volunteer performers for the Pan Am Opening Ceremony. Rehearsals are now underway for this one-night-only performance. A limited number of tickets are still available.
  
  
• More than 62,000 people have applied to be Games-time volunteers, with the selection process continuing to match applicants with the 23,000+ positions available.
  
  
• In total, TO2015 has also secured $168.9 million in sponsorship revenue, including cash and value-in-kind goods and services, since inception, with several more sponsors joining during this period, including: Official Suppliers Aggreko (Power), Cadillac Fairview Corporation Ltd. (property management), Maytag® Canada (athlete laundry services), Sword Management (security) and Technogym (fitness equipment); as well as 407 ETR, PortsToronto and Starwood Toronto Hotels as Proud Supporters.

TO2015 Quarterly Report Media Conference Call Details

To access the conference call by telephone, dial toll-free 1.800.785.6380 within North America. Please connect approximately 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the call.

About TO2015
The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10–26 and the Parapan American Games August 7–15. The TORONTO 2015 Games are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, as well as Lead Partner CIBC and other partners and sponsors.

The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is tasked with managing and delivering the Games. It is working to bring some of the world's best athletes and artists to the city of Toronto and Greater Golden Horseshoe region, giving Ontarians a unique chance to be part of the action, and making the region a hub for sport.

For more information about the Games, please visit TORONTO2015.org or follow @TO2015, @TO2015_fr (French) or @TO2015_es (Spanish).

SOURCE Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games