Less than 100 days before the Games arrive

April 8, 2015 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
As of last Wednesday, there were 100 days to wait before the Pan Am games start, and that was a good reason for a celebration at Caledon Town Hall.
Mayor Allan Thompson was joined by Town of Mono Mayor Laura Ryan, Caledon councillors and Town staff in raising two flags at Town Hall to commemorate the occasion.
“This July, Caledon and Mono will welcome visitors from 40 nations,” Thompson declared.
Caledon is hosting the equestrian jumping and dressage events at the Caledon Pan Am Equestrian Park in Palgrave, and nearby Pan Am Cross-Country Centre (Will O Wind) in Mono will be the site of equestrian cross country events.
Thompson said he recently toured the Palgrave facility, and reported being very impressed with what he had seen.
“It looks great,” he said. “We’re on time and under budget.”
Thompson also said all the volunteers are in place.
“We are so excited to be this close to welcoming the world to Caledon,” Thompson added. “The venue is absolutely impressive. We have a lot to be proud of.”
The Games will leave a legacy for the Town, both in terms of the world-class equestrian facility, but in the number of visitors who will be passing through the area.
Ryan commented the excitement has been building, adding the facilities in her town are ready.
She said Mono recognizes the opportunities the Games provide, in the form of “a centre of equine excellence in this area,” adding the legacy will be a benefit for years to come.
Ryan is urging residents to embrace the Games, attend events and welcome the visitors who will be coming.
“We, in the Town of Mono and our community partners in Caledon welcome all of the international competitors and visitors from around the world to experience the warmth and hospitality that our region is known for,” she added.
“Have fun and celebrate,” she declared. “The world is coming. We want it and need it.”
The Pan Am Games take place from July 10 to 26. Equestrian competition dates are July 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23, and 25. The Town of Caledon will be hosting several celebration events leading up to and during the Games.
Viva Pan Am Caledon flags can be purchased for $25 plus tax at the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness, Caledon Community Complex, Mayfield Recreation Complex and at Town Hall.
For more information, visit www.caledon.ca/panam

Mayor Allan Thompson was assisted by Councillor Barb Shaughnessy as he raised this flag at Town Hall last Wednesday to mark 100 days until the start of the Pan Am Games.
Photo by Bill Rea