Toronto Pearson International Airport to Sponsor 2015 Pan Am & Parapan Am Games

The Toronto 2015 Games have partnered with the Greater TorontoAirports Authority (GTAA), for the Toronto Pearson International Airport to become the Official Welcome Partner and Official Supplier of Airport Services for the Games.

In this role, Canada’s largest airport will welcome the tens of thousands of athletes, spectators, media and dignitaries from the 41 Pan American countries coming to take part in the largest multi-sport Games, ever hosted in this country.

“We are delighted to join the Pan Am team as the Official Welcome Partner of the Games. Toronto Pearson is looking forward to supporting athletes and guests alike, and welcoming them to the GTA for this great event,” said Pamela Griffith-Jones, vice president of guest and terminal services for the GTAA.

“We understand our role as the first and last impression of the region for air travellers. So we are pleased to partner with the TORONTO 2015 Games to help create wonderful memories from the time our visitors’ planes touch down until they return home to countries throughout the Americas and Caribbean,” she continued.

As Official Welcome Partner of the Games, Toronto Pearson will have brand ambassadors on site in the summer of 2015 to provide a welcoming celebratory atmosphere for athletes and visitors. The airport will, along with TO2015 and other sponsors, bring the Games to life at Toronto Pearson through mascot appearances, retail space for Games merchandise, culture and art display spaces highlighting the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and a special area where athletes, officials and dignitaries can receive their Games accreditation.

“The airport will be the gateway to the Games for the majority of the athletes coming here to compete in 766 days,” said Ian Troop. “Our partnership with Toronto Pearson will ensure these athletes — as well as up to tens of thousands of visitors — have a great experience from the moment they arrive to the time they leave in 2015. Our goal is to create unforgettable memories that have people planning their return to Canada and Ontario before they even leave!”

Toronto Pearson International Airport joins previously announced members of the TORONTO 2015 sponsor family: Lead Partner CIBC, Premier Partners Chevrolet Canada and CISCO, as well as Official Suppliers Pattison Outdoor Advertising, FUSE Marketing Group and the Toronto Star, and Official Broadcaster CBC/Radio-Canada.

“The 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games will contribute to economic growth and long-lasting prosperity for the region and the rest of our country,” said Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal. “Our Government is pleased the GTAA will play an official role in this unique international event. This will ensure our countless visitors experience the warmest and friendliest greeting when they set foot on Canadian soil.”

“Hosting the 2015 Games is truly a team effort and we are proud to have the Greater Toronto Airports Authority join us as we prepare to host the largest international games ever held on Canadian soil,” said Michael Chan, Ontario’s Minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games.  “Ontario’s support for the Games is strengthened by our partners ensuring we maximize positive economic benefits, develop world-class sporting infrastructure and firmly place Ontario on the world map as a premier sporting destination come 2015 and beyond.”

“It is great to have the GTAA as a partner for the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games,” said Mississauga Mayor Hazel McCallion. “There is no doubt that Mississauga, home to Toronto Pearson, the country’s busiest airport, has a key role in welcoming the athletes, coaches and their families to this competition.  The GTAA is a valued partner and great corporate citizen.”