The 27 Chef de Missions for the Games have been given access to sport equipment at a special marketplace set up for them by the Toronto 2015 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto.

The marketplace provides specialised wheelchairs designed to take punishing hits in basketball skirmishes and highly sought goalball equipment among many other the items which are hoped will develop Para-sport in nations across the Americas.

"Our athletes are beyond excited to come and compete in Toronto, but the 2015 Parapan Am Games are about more than what happens next August," said Siomara Olmedo, Chef de Mission for the Ecuador team.

"Thanks to Canada, I'm taking home athletics, boccia, table tennis, football five-a-side and goalball equipment from the marketplace, which will help engage young people with disabilities in Ecuador to get involved in sport and their communities.

"It will make a huge difference in their lives."

Once chosen by the Chef de Missions, the equipment will be shipped to the particular nations across the Americas with the support of Schenker of Canada ©Getty Images


Once the Chef de Missions have made their selections, the equipment will be shipped as far away as Chile and to Caribbean island nations with the support of Schenker of Canada, official logistics supplier of the Toronto 2015 Games.

"The Toronto 2015 Parapan Am Games are set to make history on a number of fronts," said Saäd Rafi, chief executive of Toronto 2015.

"Not only will they be the largest Parapan Am broadcast ever in Canada, these Games will leave a legacy in the Americas through a number of innovative programs, such as our Sport Equipment Fund and our coaching programs.

"Together, with our Canadian and international partners, we are working to spread the Paralympic Movement and encourage people of all ages and abilities to be healthy and active."

The marketplace was established in coordination with the Chef de Mission's first mass visit to Toronto to see first-hand where their athletes will train, compete and live from August 7 until 15, 2015.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
September 2014: Football test event taking place before Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games
September 2014: Six teams line up for seven-a-side cerebral palsy football America Cup
August 2014: Video unveiled to mark one year to go until Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games
June 2014: Pan Am Path officially launched in Toronto ahead of 2015 Pan American Games
May 2014: Toronto 2015 on course to deliver best Parapan American Games, says Campo