“In six months, the focus of the sporting world will be on Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe, as we welcome athletes, coaches and fans to the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.“

The Cisco Milton Pan Am/Parapan Am Velodrome, which will host para-cycling events at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games in Canada, was officially opened last weekend (10 January) to mark six months to go until the Pan Am Games begin.

The opening was marked with a test event to help finalise preparations for the Parapan American Games which will welcome 1,600 athletes from 28 countries between 7-15 August 2015.

“People in Milton have watched this unique structure going up in their community, and now they’re coming inside to experience this beautiful building. Not only will spectators watch top international athletes racing, but they’ll also see a truly impressive community space that they’ll be using for years to come,” said Saäd Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organising Committee (TO2015).

The Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) said: “In six months, the focus of the sporting world will be on Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe, as we welcome athletes, coaches and fans to the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. During this Year of Sport in Canada, our Government is extremely proud to support these Games and the significant work done to date in building remarkable facilities such as the Cisco Milton Pan Am/Parapan Am Velodrome. As Canada’s only indoor cycling facility, this venue will give our talented cycling athletes the opportunity to train and compete against the world’s best right here at home for many years to come.”

The Cisco Milton Pan Am/Parapan Am Velodrome holds a 250-metre timber track, with two 42-degree banks, and is one of two facilities of its kind in the US and Canada. The Olympic and Paralympic-calibre training facility, will be the new home base for Cycling Canada, the Ontario Cycling Association and the Milton Cycling Academy.

The Velodrome, a legacy community recreation centre, will help Milton attract major national and international cycling events to the community for years to come. The oval-shaped, three-story, fully accessible Velodrome is also designed to operate year-round as a community centre. It includes three multi-use courts located on the infield and walking track located on the spectator level.