Submitted by: Glen Lipinski, MNO Community Relations Coordinator
The Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport); MNO Niagara Region Métis
Council President Derrick Pont; Glen Lipinski, MNO Community Relations
Coordinator; and Paul Grenier, Welland City Councillor, at the ribbon cutting
ceremony for the Pan Am Flatwater Centre.
On July 10, Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) staff and MNO Niagara Region Métis Council representatives were invited by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Welland to celebrate the two-year countdown to the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games.
The Pan American Games are the world’s third largest international multi-sport Games; they are only surpassed in size and scope by the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games. Starting on July 10, 2015, 7,500 athletes from 41 countries across the Americas and Caribbean will compete in 51 sports in Toronto and surrounding areas. The MNO has been participating in the Aboriginal Leadership and Partnership Committee for the 2015 Pan Am Games since its inception.
The celebration took place at the newly renovated Welland Pan American Flatwater Centre. The centre is the first venue created for the 2015 Pan Am Games. The event began with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Pan Am flag was raised and a special mural was officially presented and displayed for the first time.
Attendants were also given the opportunity to visit the facilities and participate in flat-water activities using recreational canoes, kayaks and dragon boats. A BBQ lunch was served for all who attended.
Among attendants were the Hon. Bal Gosal, Federal minister of State (Sport); Derrick Pont, MNO Niagara Region Métis Council President; Glen Lipinski, MNO Community Relations Coordinator; and Paul Grenier, Welland City Councillor.