There are many arguments against having so-called "big circus events" like the Olympics or the Pan Am/Parapan Games in your city. But, as Toronto is showing, at least as far as the latter go, there may be more in favour.
There has been
fast-tracked development on the waterfront, massive volunteerism and leadership training programmes, and the usual extra athletic facilities, the latest of which is the new BMX park going in.
And now there's also the
Youth Summit: 300 people between the ages of 16 and 24 from across the province will convene on March 21-22 for two days of skill-building workshops, talks by the likes of Rick Hansen, and site visits to give help their already burgeoning leadership instincts and skills.
The deadline for applications is the day after tomorrow.
According to the summit's spokesman, Fulvio Martinez, they're encouraging people who already have some leadership achievements to apply.
"It could be related to specific foundation," he says, "maybe cancer, local food bank, youth violence." What a leader does is a leader inspires and influences others to do some good in their communities."
And simply running a race and gathering pledges is not enough. They're looking for people who have gotten other people off their duffs and doing something themselves.
One of the activities — sure to be a big hit with the locals — is a sort of Amazing Race led by Pride House through the gay village with the intention of showing the participants the issues and history of LGBTQ communities in Toronto and elsewhere.
In addition to the 300 attendees, there will be 175 youth from Nunavut, the Caribbean and Lima (where the next Pan Am/Parapan Games will be), who will be joining in the discussions digitally.
Successful applicants who live more than 75km from the GTA will have their transportation and accommodations paid for.
You can apply
here.
Writer: Bert Archer
Source: Fulvio Martinez