Since the announcement that Toronto will host the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, the organizing committee (TO2015) has been
vocal in its commitment to bringing diverse groups of Torontonians onboard in the planning process (the event's tagline is "The People's Games").
So last week T02015 announced the launch of their newest advisory committee, the Community Engagement Council.
The 20-member council is made up of community leaders across a variety of sectors, including business, sport and nonprofit.
"We have a very diverse group of people [on the council]" says co-chair Fernando Lusvarghi. "It makes visible Pan Am's intention to create one of the most inclusive games ever by bringing people from all ethnic backgrounds and all walks of life."
The Community Engagement Council is one of eight other advisory groups—including the Youth Advisory Council and the Aboriginal Leadership Partners—tasked with providing advice and support to the games' organizers.
Though officially launched last week, the Community Engagement Council has already had a number of prelimnary meetings.
"We have had four meetings and have been in constant contact with Pan Am's Community Outreach Department," says Lusvarghi. "We're supporting them mainly with our networks at the moment. The meetings have been based on building awareness of Pan Am's initiatives as well creating the action plan for the coming three years."
Writer: Katia Snukal
Source: Fernando Lusvarghi