TORONTO, May 28, 2015 /CNW/ - The race to buy tickets for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games is on! With only 43 days remaining, legendary sprinter and Games ambassador Donovan Bailey shared his excitement during the unveiling of the TORONTO 2015 podium today.

Over 400,000 tickets have been sold and tickets for medal sessions, including athletics – track and field, are going quickly.

Bailey's gold-medal accomplishments at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games in the 100-metre race and the 4 x 100-metre relay were not only Canada's greatest moments in track and field but one of the greatest moments in Canadian sport history. He looks forward to seeing Canadian track and field athletes in action and on the podium this summer.

One of those outstanding Canadian athletes is sprinter Andre De Grasse from Markham, ON. De Grasse has been running some of the fastest times in the world this year and the fastest times for a Canadian, since the likes of Bailey himself and fellow Olympian Bruny Surin.

Today, Bailey revealed where more than 4,000 athletes will be rewarded with their gold, silver and bronze medals during the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.

"Seeing the podium brought back incredible memories – it signifies winning and representing Canada during my storied career," said Bailey. "This will be especially meaningful for the Athletes to compete at home and stand on this podium in front of friends and family. It will be a memory they will cherish for the rest of their lives."

The Carpenters' District Council of Ontario (CDC), a Proud Supporter of the Games, constructed the 157 podiums for the Games.  The CDC has long played a role in the sporting community in Ontario, having been involved with the construction of most of the Games' existing and new legacy venues.

Designed in-house by the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015), the podiums are inspired by the official Games motto, United We Play! The design brings this concept to life by celebrating the athletes' diversity and achievement through sport.

The pattern of sport pictograms on the podium's face represents the sport disciplines being contested for medals, and the playful, irregular shapes and vibrant colours reflect the Games logo.  The trilingual motto, which appears on the top of the podium, is a bold statement on the shared spirit and inclusivity of the Games. Each podium can accommodate up to four standing athletes per position or two athletes using a wheelchair. Sixty ramps have also been constructed to provide access to the podium.

Canada is sending more than 700 athletes to the Games this summer. With many other countries sending their best athletes, reaching the podium this summer will require Team Canada to perform at its best.

And with the top athletes battling it out for a spot on the podium, fans won't want to miss out on their opportunity to get tickets now.

Buying tickets to the Games

Tickets are available at TORONTO2015.org/tickets. The TORONTO 2015 ticket program is designed to be affordable and accessible for everyone by offering:

Integrated tickets: Every event ticket will allow the holder to access transit on the day of the event.

Affordable pricing: Tickets start at just $20, with 75 per cent of tickets priced $45 and under.

Half-price tickets for persons under 16 years of age, or 65 and over: Tickets will be offered at a 50 per cent discount — some will start at $10. The number of discounted tickets is limited, so buy early.

Tickets for Parapan Am sporting events will range from $20 to $35 for adults, with a youth (under 16) and senior (65+) discount from $10 to $12.50 available, depending on the event. The number of discounted tickets is limited, so don't delay.

Easy options for buying: Tickets can be purchased online at TORONTO2015.org/tickets or at 1.855.726.2015 and internationally at 1.949.333.4824.

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 Toronto and the 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).

Quotes

Saad Rafi, chief executive officer, TO2015:
"The feeling athletes will have on these podiums will be second-to-none and will be a memory they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. You don't want to miss your chance to be a part of the Games and the life-changing moments they will bring."

The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport):

"Reaching the medal podium is the dream of every athlete. During the Toronto 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, I hope to see many triumphant Canadian athletes on these magnificent podiums, proudly wearing the maple leaf as all Canadians celebrate their achievements in this Year of Sport in Canada."

The Honourable Michael Coteau, Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games:

 "This summer athletes from across the country will compete on home turf for our country and feel the pride of standing at the top of these incredible podiums. Their accomplishments, like those before them, will continue to be an inspiration, especially for our young stars. I invite everyone to come to the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, get in the stands and see Team Canada compete with the best in the Americas and the Caribbean."

Mayor John Tory, City of Toronto:

"To stand on the podium is the ultimate goal of athletes competing in the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Games. I look forward to seeing Canadian athletes take their place on the podium and I encourage Torontonians to cheer them on throughout the Games."

Mike Yorke, President, Carpenters and Allied Workers, Local 27

"Every athlete competing aspires to stand on the podium and it is such an honour to be a part of these significant and historical moments. The commitment to excellence and attention to detail that went into crafting the podiums is a tribute to all of the athletes who will celebrate their accomplishments this summer. We will watch with pride as they celebrate on podiums crafted by Ontario's tradespeople."

SOURCE Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games