(Toronto, Ont.) As the 2 year countdown celebration to the opening ceremonies of the TO2015 Para-Pan Am Games took place today, Gaétan Tardif, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), sent a strong message that Canada’s objective will be to finish within the top three in the overall medal count.

“We at the Canadian Paralympic Committee are looking forward with great anticipation to Toronto hosting the Parapan American Games. We have set a strong and aggressive goal of finishing within the top three in the overall medal count and we will work with our sports to make sure our athletes are well prepared to shine in Toronto,” said Tardif.

“We will work with our sports to make sure our athletes are well prepared to shine in Toronto”

“We will leave no stone unturned and with our partners, we will ensure that our athletes receive the optimal environment to train and compete for that top spot on the podium.”

What’s especially exciting for the CPC is that all 15 Parapan Sports will be an opportunity to qualify for the 2016 Paralympic Summer Games in Rio. Therefore Canada will be sending its best athletes to compete in Toronto for the 2015 Parapan Games.

“These games are a chance to connect all Canadians, as Vancouver did,” added Tardif.

“To build awareness through a national media and broadcast, our athletes will inspire and once again instill pride within Canadians from coast to coast.”

The Parapan American Games will be held August 7 to 14, 2015. For more information about the Games, please visit www.toronto2015.org.

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization with 46 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement. The Canadian Paralympic Committee’s vision is to be the world’s leading Paralympic nation. Its mission is to lead the development of a sustainable Paralympic sport system in Canada to enable athletes to reach the podium at the Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the Canadian Paralympic Committee inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its member organizations.

For more information, visit www.paralympic.ca.