Health News For South West


Tuesday, August 04, 2015

Ontario Hosting Most Accessible Parapan Am Games Ever

Ontario is proud to host the Toronto 2015 Parapan Am Games - the largest and most accessible Parapan Am Games in history.

Accessibility features are a key part of the province's plan to leave long lasting benefits for all Ontarians.  These legacy investments will also benefit visitors, support the development of future para-athletes and improve accessibility across the province.

  • All 31 competition venues (including Pan Am Games venues) meet or exceed accessibility requirements, ensuring persons with disabilities can fully enjoy these facilities, either as participants or spectators. Games watchers will have access to accessible entrances and exits, amenities including washrooms, concession stands and merchandise kiosks, seating, medical services and more.
  • New travel services will allow spectators to pre-book accessible parking, offer barrier-free routes to venues and provide a specialized transit booking system called 'Call One' that will help coordinate trips to and from events for eligible customers.  
  • Over 23,000 volunteers have been trained to properly support athletes, spectators and tourists of all abilities.
  • The Pan Am/Parapan Am Kids program supports increased accessibility awareness, instruction and participation in parasports like sitting volleyball, goalball and boccia.
  • Live broadcast of selected events - the most Parapan Am Games coverage ever - will showcase parasport and the abilities of people with disabilities to millions of viewers. This marks the first time that the Parapan Am Games will be televised in English and French in Canada.


Supporting an accessible and successful Parapan Am Games is part of the government's plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

Quick Facts:

  • From August 7 to 15, Ontario will host top para-athletes from the Americas and the Caribbean.
  • About 2,600 athletes and officials from 28 countries and territories will compete in 16 sports at the largest-ever Parapan Am Games.
  • Spectators with a Games ticket can book trips up to seven days before their event by calling ‘Call One’ at 1-844-PARA-ONE (727-2663) or the teletypewriter number 1-877-224-5002
  • The province supports its para-athletes year round with direct financial assistance through programs like Quest for Gold.
  • Ontario has released a new accessibility action plan to build on the progress made since the introduction of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in 2005 and to achieve the goal of becoming accessible by 2025.


Additional Resources:



Quotes:

“Ontario is proud to host the most accessible Parapan Am Games ever. Our
legacy investment in accessible TORONTO 2015 Parapan Am Games
infrastructure, transportation options and volunteer training has raised
the bar for accessibility. These initiatives will help visitors and
spectators of all abilities access and enjoy the Games while leaving
lasting benefits for all Ontarians.”

- Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

“Our government is working hard to ensure that accessibility is not only
highlighted during the Pan and Parapan Am Games, but that it becomes a
key priority and standard part of the way businesses and individuals
think in our society. I’m thrilled that the Games will highlight the
success we can achieve if we all come together and break down barriers
for persons with disabilities, realizing the true economic and societal
benefits of becoming more accessible.”

- Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

“I would like to congratulate the Ontario provincial government for the
steps they have taken to ensure that Toronto and its surrounding areas
are the best prepared ever for a Parapan American Games. Many of the
measures taken ahead of the Games will provide a lasting legacy for this
part of the world. Accessible infrastructure and transport is a key
component of any major para-sport event and I am delighted that ahead of
Toronto 2015, the provincial government, organisers and partners have
gone the extra mile by also looking at other areas such as training and
tourism.”

- Jose Luis Camp, President of the Americas Paralympic Committee

Media Contacts:

Blane McPhail
Minister's Office
416-326-9329

Mark Smith
Communications Branch
416-325-8391

© 2025, thehealthline.ca All rights reserved.