Toronto residents, government officials, athletes and over 1,600 summer camp children made it out to Nathan Phillips Square last Tuesday to celebrate the three-year countdown to the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games that will be taking place in Toronto in 2015, an event which will involve over 41 countries in a multi-sport competition.
As part of the flag-raising ceremony, Mayor Rob Ford pronounced July 10, 2012 as the official Pan Am/Parapan Am Day. “Toronto is proud to host the games and today’s event that is just the beginning to what we have to display to the rest of the world of our culture, talents and passion for sports that the rest of the world will enjoy. As the host city, the games will leave Toronto with a lasting legacy that residences and businesses will be able to enjoy for years to come,” he said.
YTV’s Carlos Bustamante and Melissa Hetu hosted the afternoon of entertainment by Canadian talent, which included performances by Andrew Forde, Eliana Cuevas and Aline Morales. Workout team Socacize provided the crowd with an opportunity to participate in a cardio dance exercise to soca, reggae and dancehall, which the children took advantage of, despite the sweltering heat. Dance crews Northbuck and Supernaturalz Crew wowed the square with their energetic choreography before the youth program Just BGRAPHIC took over the stage displaying young, enthusiastic dance and lyricism.
Basketball freestyler Q-Mack and beatboxer Scott Jackson who run a bullying campaign together, joined the stage to provide a comedic and entertaining performance, which the crowd was enthusiastic about. “I think it’s going to be an exciting time for Toronto,” said Jackson on the upcoming games. Jackson used his skills to provide the square with dancehall, electro and R&B with just his mouth and a mic.
Besides an afternoon of performances, those who made it out had the opportunity to take part in many athletic activities provided by KidSport Sport Alliance, as well as face-painting, an obstacle course and jumping castles, as well as received a lot of free swag.
The afternoon of sports and entertainment in the sun ended with an anticipated set by Toronto’s own Kardinal Offishall, who performed his hits “Dangerous”, “The Anthem” and “Numba 1”, which had the whole crowd singing along. After tossing free T-shirts into the crowd, Kardi saw two children arguing over a T-shirt. He stopped the music and underlined that the day was about peace and unity. To prove his point, he took off his Blue Jays jersey and gave it to a child in the audience before continuing his set.
Even though the games are still three years away, the excitement filled the square as everyone enjoyed the activities and the anticipation of what is to come.
Photos by: Michelle Green
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