The summer of TORONTO 2015

The TORONTO sign at City Hall is a big hit.

The reason why I came to T.O. nearly two years ago has wrapped up with the conclusion of the TORONTO 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games.  All the planning, meetings and writing culminated with the successful delivery of the Games. Athletes competed, medals were won and our press clients had the required services and facilities to tell the stories of the Games.




Most of my time was spent in the two main press centres – at CIBC Pan Am Park (Exhibition Place) for the Pan Am Games and at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel for the Parapan Am Games – with long hours inside the press workrooms each day.  But, I did manage to make it to Nathan Phillips Square at Toronto City Hall twice for PANAMANIA concerts (the arts and culture festival) and the nightly fireworks. 

Other highlights were seeing my first wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby games which enhanced my appreciation for para-sport.


Wheelchair basketball: CAN vs. MEX at Ryerson.



Wheelchair rugby: CAN vs. USA at Mississauga.

Canadian star Zak Madell interviewed by our Games News Service.

With Olympic medallist Charmaine Crooks -- we first met in 2001!

I enjoyed the opportunity to meet some new Games gypsies and to reconnect with former colleagues from the Games circuit. As with any multisport Games experience – the TORONTO 2015 Games are my sixth multisport event – there are highs and lows as you work the event. The real appreciation of what was accomplished comes with time.  

The Pan Am Opening Ceremony on July 10.

The 'pine-cone' cauldron.

A daytime look at the now famous TORONTO sign. It's remaining at City Hall for now.