Pan Am Games: frequently asked questions

When are the Pan Am Games? The Games run July 10 to 26, 2015,and the Parapan Am Games from August 7 to 14, 2015. The Games are held every four years. The 2011 Games were held in Guadalajara, Mexico. The host city for 2019 Games will be selected in October.

How many countries participate? A total of 41 nations compete in the Pan Am Games. In addition to Canada, the United States and Mexico, there are 19 Caribbean nations, 12 from South America and seven Central American countries participating.

How many people are involved? The Games will bring about 10,000 athletes and officials to Toronto and more than 17,000 volunteers will pitch in. Some estimates peg the number of total Games-related visits at 250,000.

How much will they cost? The budget for the Games is $1.4 billion, a figure split roughly between capital and operating costs. About $500 million is coming from each of the provincial and federal governments. Another $288 million will come from municipal governments, universities and venue owners.

Which sports are Pan Am Games sports? There are 36 official Pan Am Games sports. There are also 15 Parapan Am sports for athletes with disabilities. Pan Am sports include everything from swimming, boxing, basketball and sailing to table tennis, golf, cycling and gymnastics. Parapan Am sports include wheelchair versions of basketball, rugby and tennis along with goalball (a game for visually impaired athletes), cycling and judo.

More information about the sports is availablehere.