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2015 Pan American Games facts for kids

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The 17th Pan American Games were a huge sports event held in Toronto, Canada. They took place from July 10 to July 26, 2015. Imagine over 6,000 athletes from 41 different countries all coming together! They competed in 36 exciting sports, showing off their amazing skills and teamwork.

What Are the Pan American Games?

The Pan American Games are a major multi-sport event. Athletes from all over the Americas compete. It's like a smaller version of the Olympic Games, but just for countries in North, Central, and South America, plus the Caribbean. These games happen every four years. They are a chance for athletes to test their limits and for countries to show their sports talent.

Why Toronto Hosted the Games

Toronto, a big city in Canada, was chosen to host the 2015 Pan American Games. The Canadian Olympic Committee picked Toronto as their official city to bid for the games. Hosting such a large event brings many benefits. It helps the city build new sports facilities and improve old ones. It also brings many visitors, which helps local businesses. Plus, it puts the city on the world stage!

How Toronto Prepared for the Games

Getting ready for the Pan American Games was a huge task for Toronto. New sports venues were built, and existing ones were updated. For example, the Rogers Centre was temporarily called the Pan Am Dome. It hosted the exciting opening and closing ceremonies. The BMO Field was renamed Exhibition Stadium for the rugby sevens competition. The Ricoh Coliseum (also known as Toronto Coliseum) was the place for gymnastics.

A special 2015 Pan American Games Athletes' Village was built. This village provided a home for all the athletes during the games. It had everything they needed, from places to sleep to dining halls and training areas. A countdown clock in Nathan Phillips Square helped build excitement.

The Pan Am Torch Relay

Before the games began, there was a special Pan Am Torch Relay. The torch traveled across Canada, carried by many different people. Each torchbearer helped share the spirit of the games. The relay ended with the lighting of the Cauldron in Toronto. This marked the official start of the competitions.

Sports and Competitions

Athletes competed in 36 different sports. These included popular sports like swimming, athletics, and gymnastics. There were also team sports like basketball and soccer. Individual athletes showed their strength in sports like wrestling. For example, Justina Di Stasio from Canada won a silver medal in wrestling. The games offered a wide variety of events for everyone to enjoy.

Memorable Moments and Symbols

The 2015 Pan American Games had many memorable moments. The opening and closing ceremonies were spectacular. They celebrated Canadian culture and the spirit of sports. The Toronto Sign in Nathan Phillips Square became a popular symbol. It showed the city's excitement and welcome for the games. There was even a special pop-up store at Toronto Eaton Centre where fans could buy souvenirs.

The mascot for the games was named Pachi. Pachi was a porcupine with 41 quills, representing the 41 participating countries. Mascots like Pachi help make the games fun and friendly, especially for younger fans.

Legacy of the Games

The 2015 Pan American Games left a lasting impact on Toronto and Canada. The new and improved sports facilities continue to be used by athletes and the community. The games also helped boost tourism and local pride. They showed the world Toronto's ability to host major international events.

Images for kids

  • Skyline of Toronto viewed from Harbour

    Toronto was selected by the Canadian Olympic Committee as the official bid city from Canada for the 2015 Pan American Games

  • Toronto - ON - Rogers Centre (Nacht)

    Rogers Centre (temporarily renamed Pan Am Dome for the duration of the Games) hosted the opening and closing ceremonies

  • BMO Field Rugby 2

    BMO Field (temporarily renamed Exhibition Stadium for the duration of the Games) staged the rugby sevens competition

  • Toronto Coliseum 2015 Pan American Games

    The Ricoh Coliseum (Toronto Coliseum), in Toronto, was the venue for the gymnastics competitions

  • 2015 Pan Am Village Jan 2015 (cropped)

    The 2015 Pan American Games Athletes' Village in January 2015

  • To2015countdownclock

    Countdown clock in Nathan Phillips Square

  • Ashley Worobec at BSOMF 2015

    A torchbearer during the relay

  • 2015 Toronto Pan American Games - Cauldron

    The 2015 Toronto Pan American Games Cauldron

  • 2015 Pan American Games Participating Countries

    Participating countries.

  • Pan American Games Women's Marathon

    The lead pack in the 2015 Pan American Games women's marathon

  • Justina Di Stasio, 2015 (cropped)

    Justina Di Stasio, of Canada, wrestling silver medalist

  • DirectEnergyCentre

    Enercare Centre (Exhibition Centre) hosted broadcasting facilities for the Games.

  • Mascot Pachi greets US Ambassador Bruce Heyman at the 2015 Pan American Games (18959014963)

    Pachi greets US Ambassador Bruce Heyman at the 2015 Pan American Games

  • 3DTORONTOSignNathanPhillipsSquare11

    The Toronto Sign placed in Nathan Phillips Square for the Games became a symbol of their positive response and of the city as a whole.

  • TORONTO2015OfficialStore5

    The Toronto 2015 pop-up store at Toronto Eaton Centre.

See also

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