The Real Success of TORONTO 2015 Games Begins When Athletes Go Home

While talking to Bill Zakarow, Director of Procurement for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015), a sense of purpose clearly comes through in the conversation. Working under the pressure of an immovable project end date, he is responsible for procuring $350 million worth of goods and services, that include general expenses, food, security, artists, entertainment and technology – everything except building and infrastructure construction. The challenges of preparing for the world’s third largest international multi-sport games are easy to imagine. Close to 7,000 athletes from North America, the Caribbean, Latin America and South America will descend on a number of municipalities stretching from Oshawa to Welland in July and August 2015. Successfully hosting the Games is a top priority, of course, but their true success will be measured long after they end.

TO2015 has learned from mistakes made during the previous two times Canada hosted the Pan Am Games in 1967 and 1999. In prior Games, a number of buildings were constructed that the municipalities could not use when the games ended. TO2015 has put a lot of thought into designing a legacy of buildings that will promote community development and help grow businesses long after the Games are over. By developing the infrastructure needed for Canada, and not just for the Games, teams like the Canadian Indoor Track cycling team will have a permanent training base. Of course, the new buildings will need continued maintenance and support, and that provides local business opportunities that would not exist otherwise.