The 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games

The success of major events often requires the involvement of people in the community. One such event is the Pan/Parapan American Games, to be held in July and August of 2015.

With some 10,000 athletes from 41 countries participating, the eyes of the entire world will be on us. One way of showing our know-how and our ability to extend a warm welcome to the 250,000 tourists who will come to watch the Games is by getting involved.

Yesterday, the Organizing Committee for the Games launched a campaign to recruit some 20,000 volunteers to handle logistical work in various areas, such as reception, transportation and artistic and cultural programming. You will find all this information on the PanAM Toronto 2015 website, www.toronto2015.org — a site that provides full information in French, including all supporting documents.

In fact, I had the opportunity to meet with the people who head PanAm Toronto 2015, and I am quite satisfied with what seems to be a conscientious approach to the necessity of reflecting the rich contribution of the French language and culture.

I thus urge you to answer the call. Francophones and Francophiles, young people and not-so-young people, bilingual and even trilingual people: we need you!

Think about it: Here is a golden opportunity not only to promote French for the entire duration of the Games but also to enjoy an extremely rewarding experience as a volunteer!