TORONTO, March 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) today unveiled the competition medals for the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games. Athletes from 41 countries and territories across the Americas will compete for 4,283 medals in 825 medal events.
The paths of the medals originate at different points across the western hemisphere thanks to the collaboration of Barrick Gold Corporation, Official Metal Supplier, and the Royal Canadian Mint, the Official Medals Design and Production Supplier.
“The Games unite us, inspire us and captivate us, and it’s the competition — the elite athletes striving for a moment of near perfection — that make it all so thrilling,” said Saäd Rafi, chief executive officer, TO2015. “So, we’re grateful to all our partners for striving for that same level of excellence in our medals.”
The materials for the medals were supplied by Toronto-based Barrick Gold Corporation from three of its operations across the Americas: copper from its ZaldÃvar mine in Chile; silver from its Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic; and gold from its Hemlo mine in Ontario. The teamwork and pride of the people at Barrick reflect the excellence and dedication of the athletes competing at the Games. Barrick also has operations in Argentina, Peru and the United States.
“We’re honoured to supply the materials for the medals that will mark the success of the best athletes of the Americas,” said Kelvin Dushnisky, co-president, Barrick Gold Corporation. “Everyone in our organization — especially those who produced the copper, silver and gold — will be thrilled every time an athlete holds up their medal to the cheers of their country.”
The unique Games medals will be skilfully crafted by the Royal Canadian Mint in an innovative process featuring 25 production steps. The process involves 30 Mint employees, including engineers, engravers, die technicians, machinists and production experts working together. The team’s combined experience in medals production totals more than 100 years.
“Royal Canadian Mint employees have come together with pride to produce one-of-a-kind medals which truly symbolize the years of training and effort put forth by the remarkable athletes who will compete at the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games this summer,” said Sandra Hanington, president and chief executive officer, Royal Canadian Mint.
The Pan Am Games will run from July 10–26 followed by the Parapan Am Games August 7–15. The current round of ticket sales for the Pan Am Games will close on March 9 and will not reopen until mid- April. Tickets have been selling fast so fans are encouraged to buy their tickets now to see their favourite athletes vie for these medals.
