News and Updates

(May 10,2012) City of Toronto prepares to host Ontario Summer Games in just 100 Days - The countdown to the 2012 Ontario Summer Games is on!

Ontario Summer Games' organizers, volunteers, athletes, and elected officials today gathered at Nathan Phillips Square to celebrate the 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the 2012 Games. The City of Toronto is hosting the Games, Ontario's largest multi-sport competition, from August 16 to19, with some pre-opening events on August 14, 15 and 16.

The Games will bring together about 2,500 amateur athletes competing in 28 sports in multiple venues across Toronto and surrounding regions (Brampton, Caledon, Oshawa, St. Catharines and Welland), as well as coaches, managers and officials from across the Province. It is a unique opportunity for many young athletes, as this multi-sport competition serves as a stepping 2012-OSG-Toronto stone to many national and international competitions.

"The McGuinty Government is proud to support the Ontario Summer Games, an exciting event that will showcase our province’s talented athletes, promote Toronto as a world class host and generate significant economic activity for the city," said Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "Fans from across Ontario will have a chance to cheer on our athletes, many of whom will go on to compete on national and international stages."

This afternoon’s lively event brought together Games' supporters for the unveiling of Bruce the Moose, the 2012 Games’ official mascot. The designs for the 2012 medals were revealed and all-access commemorative pins to the opening ceremony and all 28 Games sporting events went on sale for $25. In the spirit of the Games, Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday (Ward 3 Etobicoke Centre) and Toronto City Councillors participated in a ball hockey skill challenge.

"Toronto residents are looking forward to cheering on amateur athletes from around the Province in their quest for gold this summer," said Deputy Mayor Holyday. "Some of these athletes may be back in Toronto in three years to compete in the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. By delivering a great Ontario Summer Games in 2012, we are helping them achieve their dreams of competing internationally. It's a wonderful opportunity for our city and our young athletes."

The City is pleased to partner with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Sport Alliance Ontario, the Toronto Sports Council and Tourism Toronto in staging the Games.

"The Games are made successful not only through the delivery of high calibre competitions but also through the development of strategic partnerships and dedication of the Games Organizing Committee," expressed Holly Abraham, Chair of Sport Alliance Ontario.

"These Games will be an unprecedented opportunity not just for athletes and their families, but also for Torontonians volunteering to help stage the Games," said Rahul K. Bhardwaj, Chair of the 2012 Ontario Summer Games. "We’ve already signed up over a thousand volunteers, and through the Games’ legacy project, Playing for Keeps, these volunteers will help build Toronto’s social capital and create the inclusive, connected and active city we all want to live in."

For more information on the 2012 Ontario Summer Games, including the sports venues, sport descriptions and qualification processes, volunteer registration and more, visit the Games website at http://www.2012ontariosummergames.ca.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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