OTTAWA— With numerous international sporting events coming to Canada in 2015, an announcement was made last week proclaiming 2015 as the Year of Sport in Canada. The announcement came from Governor General David Johnston at the torch-lighting ceremony for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, Oct. 16 in Ottawa.
In addition to the Canada Winter Games (Prince George), the country will host the Pan American Games (Toronto/ Greater Golden Horseshoe), where golf will be one of the 36 sports featured, the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship (Toronto and Montreal), the Men’s World Curling Championship (Halifax) and the FIFA Women’s World Cup (multiple locations).
“Next year promises to be a truly memorable sporting year for Canadians. A number of major international sporting events will take place in Canada, including the Pan Am Games, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the IIHF World Hockey Junior Championships. It is for these reasons and so many more that I am delighted to proclaim 2015 the Year of Sport in Canada,” added Johnston.
Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal, was in attendance for the announcement and gave his thoughts on what 2015 means for sport in Canada. “In 2015, Canadians from across the country will have many opportunities to cheer on our remarkable athletes and celebrate their achievements. With events such as the World Junior Hockey Championship, the Canada Winter Games, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, the Pan and Parapan American Games and many others, 2015 will be a memorable year for all Canadians — an opportunity not only to attend sport events, but also to be inspired to participate in sport activities throughout the year.”
The Year of Sport in Canada is a proactive pan-Canadian initiative to celebrate the role that sport plays in our country and encourage Canadians to participate in and seek the benefits of sport. During the year, sport events and other celebratory activities will highlight how sport benefits Canadians. The Year of Sport will promote Canada’s position as a leading sport nation and highlight the power of sport to enhance the lives of all Canadians.
The Pan Am Games, July 10-26, will welcome more than 10,000 athletes from 41 countries to the Toronto area. This year’s Games will mark the first time golf will be contested. Angus Glen Golf Club, who recently hosted the successful 2014 World Junior Girls’ Golf Championship, will be the host venue for golf at the Games. Individual and team competitions will take place for both men and women. The event will build into the lead up of Golf’s return to the Olympics in 2016 in Rio, Brazil. The Golf Association of Ontario (GAO) is proud to partner with Golf Canada and the International Golf Federation to organize the event.
For More information on the Year of Sport visit http://www.pch.gc.ca/
For more information on the Pan-Am Games Golf Competition visit: http://www.toronto2015.org/golf
