Toronto to Host 2017 Invictus Games
Ontario is committing up to $10 million over two years in support of the Invictus Games, which will be held in Toronto from September 26¬ to 30, 2017.
Premier Kathleen Wynne made the announcement today in Toronto alongside His Royal Highness, Prince Henry of Wales (Prince Harry), who founded the Invictus Games in 2014. The Games are an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. They harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for all of those who serve their country.
The 2017 Invictus Games will build on the legacy of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. Ontario's preparations for last year's highly successful Games included an infrastructure investment in 10 new internationally certified sports venues and upgrades of 15 existing venues.
The Games will also take place in Ontario's sesquicentennial year, during which we will celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. The province's support for the Invictus Games is part of our efforts to celebrate this important milestone in our history. More details about Ontario's celebrations will be announced this summer.
Improving opportunities for people with disabilities is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes investing in talent and skills, including helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history and investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.
QUOTES
" The Invictus Games are an opportunity to honour our servicemen and women and to provide tangible help to wounded soldiers on their journey to recovery. I am thrilled that we are using the expertise and passion developed in planning and hosting the TORONTO 2015 Pan and Parapan Am Games to once again serve as an international platform for the transformative power of sport."
- Kathleen Wynne
Premier of Ontario
" The Invictus Games showcase sport by the very best — servicemen and women from around the world coming together to compete, inspire and celebrate. Being able to apply our Pan Am Games experience and resources to hosting the Invictus Games is a privilege that will bring unique benefits to sport and people in Ontario."
- Michael Coteau
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport
" The Invictus Games shine a spotlight on the achievements of servicemen and women post-injury, and will be an important part of Ontario's sesquicentennial celebrations. Ontario will honour our past, inspire our youth, and leave strong economic, social, and cultural legacies to celebrate our 150th birthday."
- Michael Chan
Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade
QUICK FACTS
• The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and Her Honour, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, also attended today’s announcement.
• The inaugural Invictus Games took place in London, England, in September 2014. Orlando, Florida will host the 2016 Games from May 8 to 12.
• The 2017 Games will include more than 600 competitors from 16 nations competing in 12 adaptive sports.
• The TORONTO 2015 Pan American and Parapan Am Games were the largest international multi-sport Games ever hosted on Canadian soil, welcoming 10,000 athletes and officials and millions of fans to 15 municipalities across Southern Ontario.
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Singh Gurvinder 5/3/2016 |
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