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Equestrian Park has one year to get ready for Games By Bill Rea It's still a work in progress, but things are definitely progressing. It's now less than a year before the 2015 Pan American Games start, and the countdown event to mark the occasion took place Saturday at Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave. “Welcome to this absolutely phenomenal site,” declared Mayor Marolyn Morrison, as she expressed the excitement of the community for the Games that are coming. She also urged the community to get involved in the coming event. “Be excited,” she said. “Get out there and participate. That's what it's all about.” The equestrian park is undergoing substantial renovations to get it ready for the coming games, and has been receiving very positive reviews from numerous observers. And the Town of Caledon has come in for much of the credit. “This would not be here today, if not for Marolyn,” remarked former premier David Peterson, TO2015 board chair. “Now we have something that's absolutely world-class.” He also cited Olympic medalist Ian Millar, who said this is as good a facility as he's seen anywhere in the world. The point was made repeatedly that this is going to be the largest athletic event Canada has ever hosted, with more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and officials coming into the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for the Games. Peterson also observed the Games are going to generate some 26,000 new jobs in the area, “all because of the Pan Ams and people working together.” Events like this will always have critics, Peterson commented, but he predicted they will all be on side a year from now. He also stressed the benefits to the human spirit from the Games. “I never underestimate the power of sport to unite,” he remarked, adding it brings families together, instills confidence in children and promotes healthy living. Peterson also pointed out the enhanced equestrian facility is going to remain in the community. “You will have this forever,” he said. “It's amazing how it's come about,” declared Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal, who also stressed how the facilities will be used by future generations of athletes, adding that was one of the reasons what the government was proud to support the Games. “They're such role models and inspiration to Canadians,” he said.  Former Ontario Premier David Peterson, TO2015 board chair, was on hand at Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave Saturday to help start the one-year countdown to the Pan American Games, and the equestrian events that will be held at the park. Peterson was joined by Mayor Marolyn Morrison, Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal, Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones and his wife Shelley Peterson.  Mariachi Viva Mexico provided some colourful entertainment.  Rory McDonald played O Canada on his harmonica to open Saturday's ceremonies.  Mayfield Secondary School students Katie Pound and Taurian Teeluck used their beautiful voices to perform a number of pieces.  Alex Spasov of Palgrave brought his grandson Daniel Pathan, 3, to see the horses. |
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Post date: 2014-07-24 12:53:11 Post date GMT: 2014-07-24 16:53:11 Post modified date: 2014-07-25 10:22:22 Post modified date GMT: 2014-07-25 14:22:22 |
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