U of T groundbreaking for the Pan American Games

The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) celebrated a major milestone September 27, 2012, with the groundbreaking ceremony for the future Aquatics Facility and Field House, in an event marked by music, games, food, and appearances from Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

The 360,000 square feet facility will be used in the 2015 Pan American Games. UTSC will host the aquatics, fencing, and modern pentathlon components of the Games. When the Games conclude, the Aquatics Facility and Field House will be open to U of T students and the community.  

The Aquatics Facility will feature two Olympic-sized (52 metre) pools, 10-metre diving tank and spectator seating for 6,000 people. The Field House will include three gymnasiums, fitness and training facilities, running tracks and rock climbing walls.

(Photos by Ken Jones)

PreviousPauseNext

1 of 1

Canada’s Brandon Wagner shows off his Paralympic gold medal.

Olympic athletes mingle with UTSC students, faculty and staff and members of the surrounding community.

Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes were on hand for the Pan Am aquatics centre groundbreaking ceremony.

Toronto councillors Norm Kelly and Paul Ainslie with Paralympic gold medalist Summer Mortimer.

Canada Paralympic athlete Brandon Wagner is joined by Norm Kelly, Paul Ainslie and Summer Mortimer.

The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of Sport, welcomes a student from Military Trail Public School. More than 300 elementary school students were in attendance.

Future Pan Am and Olympic hopefuls demonstrate their fitness with the rowing machine.

Inflatable castles help entertain active guests.

Artwork by local schoolchildren helps celebrate the UTSC, the community and the groundbreaking.

 UTSC Principal Franco Vaccarino is joined by many distinguished guests for the official groundbreaking.