The Ontario Parasport Games is a program of the Government of Ontario, delivered by host municipalities, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS). The Games promote public awareness of parasports and showcase Ontario’s best athletes. They provide host communities with an opportunity to make their communities more accessible and inclusive and to develop legacy funds.

The Games are planned and executed by a Games Organizing Committee proudly made up of members of the host community. They are also supported by hundreds of local volunteers and spectators who understand that when we all play, we all win.

Meet PACHI

PacchiPACHI is a legacy of the incredibly successful TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. The wildly popular mascot was created by four Grade 8 students from Markham who entered the nationwide TORONTO 2015 Mascot Creation Challenge.  That competition drew 4,130 submissions from more than 15,000 kids, parents and teachers.

PACHI is head cheerleader of Games Ontario events, all of which showcase Ontario athletes competing in multiple sports. PACHI also supports the athletes and coaches on Team Ontario at the Canada Games.

PACHI’s Look 

PACHI’s Team Ontario job comes with the Team Ontario look. His white hat and wristbands feature the Games Ontario logo, modelled on the iconic Ontario trillium, and highlighted with coloured ripples of red, green, and blue:

  • Red represents “inspiration”, which is Team Ontario’s official colour.
  • Green represents “opportunity”.
  • Blue represents “community”.

And, PACHI’s distinctive quills match the logo.

About the Host Community

In 2016, Sport Durham, The Regional Municipality of Durham’s sport tourism group, successfully bid to host the 2019 Ontario Parasport Games, with partners from the Abilities Centre and Durham College. Durham Region and its municipalities have hosted many significant sporting events, including Pan Am and Parapan Am Games events in 2015, the Ontario 55+ Games in 2010, and the Ontario Summer Games in 2000.

WindReach Farm, Grandview Children’s Centre, and the Abilities Centre have alll been instrumental in paving the way toward making Durham Region an inclusive and accessible community, ideally suited to welcome parasport athletes. By hosting these Games, it will further grow awareness of the need for accessibility, the benefits of inclusivity, and grow parasport participation both in Durham and across the Province of Ontario.

For more information on Durham Region, visit: www.durhamtourism.ca.

During these exciting Games, more than 500 athletes, attendants, coaches, officials, as well as families and friends, will be welcomed at venues throughout Durham Region. We welcome these participants, from February 8 – 10, 2019

Click here for more information.

About the Author

Bryen writes about local Durham community news, including regional events, municipality updates, entertainment, lifestyle, and the great outdoors. Email him directly if you want your business profiled or know a community member that deserves recognition - bryen@thelocalbizmagazine.com