Cycling legend Curt Harnett named TO2015 Chef de Mission
Today, the Canadian Olympic Committee proudly unveiled its Chef de Mission for the Toronto 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games: cycling legend Curt Harnett. The announcement was made in a speech delivered by Marcel Aubut, Canadian Olympic Committee President, during the first-ever Pan American Sports Organization (PASO) General Assembly meeting held in Toronto.
“What a truly incredible honour this is for me. I am ready for the task ahead and accept this massive responsibility,” said Harnett, four-time Olympian, three-time Olympic medallist and the new Chef de Mission for Canada’s Toronto 2015 Pan American Games Team.
“One of my goals as Chef will be to illustrate to all Canadians that these Games matter,” added Harnett. “They matter not just because of an unprecedented investment into sport in this region, or because they afford Canada’s best athletes the opportunity to compete at home; they also matter because come 2015, we’re inviting the Pan American family into our home and we will host them with a true Canadian spirit – one of peace, fair play and equality. To me, these are values worthy of promoting and celebrating.”
Curt Harnett. Photo: David Jackson
Canada’s 2015 Pan American Team is expected to be the largest team ever fielded at an international multi-sport competition. The size of the Canadian Team for Toronto 2015 will exceed 1,100 with the inclusion of athletes, coaches, and mission staff and is a result of the COC’s landmark financial investment.
The Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games will take place from July 10-26 and August 7-14 respectively in Toronto, Canada, with various events also held in communities across the Golden Horseshoe.
