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City of Toronto announces August 10 will be Track & Field Day in the 6ix
Toronto – Representatives from Athletics Canada, NACAC (North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Association) and the City of Toronto gathered today at Nathan Phillips Square to provide an update on the 2018 NACAC Track & Field Championships, known as Toronto 2018: Track & Field in the 6ix.
Photos: NACAC
“The NACAC athletics family is very excited in its partnership with Athletics Canada for the third NACAC Championships, to be held in the beautiful city of Toronto,” said Victor Lopez, NACAC President. “For the first time, the NACAC Championships are being held at the same time as the European Championships and one week after the African Championships, providing the opportunity for the best athletes in the NACAC area to compete in Toronto.”
In addition to a prize purse of $200,000, for many countries the winner of each event will automatically qualify for the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and for the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar.
“We have no doubt this will be a world-class event and expect some of the best performances from our athletes this season, and perhaps in history,” said Lopez.
A notable highlight from today’s festivities is that the City of Toronto will recognize August 10, the opening day of Toronto 2018: Track & Field in the 6ix, as Track & Field Day in the 6ix with an official proclamation.
A complete track and field takeover of Nathan Phillips Square served as the backdrop for today’s gathering and featured athletes from theBahamas, Canada, Jamaica and the United States. The Nathan Phillips Square Track & Field Takeover included a men’s high jump exhibition, men’s and women’s 60-metre sprints, as well as a women’s pole vault demonstration. These events were preceded by a grassroots activation led by triple Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse.
“Toronto 2018 is the premier event on the international calendar for athletes from the 31 countries that make up the NACAC region,” said Mathieu Gentès, Athletics Canada’s Chief Operating Officer. “Our team is working diligently to ensure a wonderful experience for competitors and fans alike. I’m happy to report we already have commitments from 23 countries and more than 600 athletes to attend the Championships in August.”
The Canadian team for Toronto 2018: Track & Field in the 6ix will be selected immediately following the 2018 Canadian Track & Field Championships and NACAC Selection Trials taking place July 3 to 8 in Ottawa.
“It has been two long years in the making but everything is really coming together,” added Gentès. “The NACAC Federation looked to Canada to help raise the profile and quality of this event; we are confident we will deliver in spades. Significant prize money is on the line, broadcast agreements are in place, we have wonderful partners on board and a strong team is leading all elements of the Championships. On top of that, the University of Toronto is in the midst of installing a new blazing fast Mondo surface at Varsity Stadium.”
For ticket and schedule information, please visit www.athletics.ca/toronto2018.
PHOTOS: NACAC
SOURCE: Amanda Nigh
Manager, communications and marketing
amanda.nigh@athletics.ca
(613) 260-5580, ext. 3307
