February 8, 1999

To:Economic Development Committee

From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject:21^st Vietnamese North American Games

Purpose:

To inform the Committee about the significance of a major sports event that will have a positive impact on the cultural and economic life of the City.

Source of Funds:

In kind contributions from the Parks and Recreation Division.

Recommendations:

1.That the Economic Development Committee acknowledge and endorse the City's hosting of the 21^st North American Vietnamese Games as being in the interest and well being of the City.

2.That the Economic Development Committee communicate its support to the Olympic Bid Committee and request that they give consideration for any further assistance that they deem to be appropriate.

3.That the Parks and Recreation Division provide appropriate logistic support for the 21st North American Vietnamese Games.

Background:

The Vietnamese community has a long and positive history with the Parks and Recreation Division through the support that is provided for many of its programs and activities, particularly involving youth and women. In 1990, the former City of Toronto gave a small grant to assist the Toronto contingent to the games which was hosted for the first time in Canada.

The Parks and Recreation Division works with the Vietnamese community in the development of aquatics through The Swim For It program, that provides opportunities for training in aquatics primarily for diverse cultural groups. As a result of this partnership, many of the graduates are now employed at our recreation centres in various aquatic positions in the City. Some of the other projects include:

• The Canada Day - Thank You Dedication - where a commemorative bench and the planting of a tree were donated to Trinity-Bellwoods Parks.
• The Mid-Autumn Children's Festival at Nathan Phillip Square
• The linking of Vietnamese agencies to the Fire Academy recruitment program

Comments:

The 21^st North American Vietnamese Games is being hosted by the City of Toronto at a time when the City is pursuing the bid for the Olympics in 2008. A major thrust for these games lies with the City's "Strength In Diversity", which is reflected in the current initiative by the Vietnamese community to host these games.

The Parks and Recreation Division was approached by representatives of the Games Committee to assist with the general organization of the Games, since they are aware of our resources and expertise through our ongoing working relationship with the community. This event is a major undertaking that will require logistic support with facilities, equipment, staff and corporate sponsorship which is consistent with the way in which the Parks and Recreation Division works with community groups.

The Vietnamese Games Committee is projecting approximately 10,000 visitors and athletes from across Canada and the United States. If it is of interest to your Committee, the economic impact of this event could be calculated and reported on in the near future.

Conclusions:

In view of our objective in making the City of Toronto accessible to all groups, this is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our willingness to promote and develop the contributions of our diverse citizens. The Vietnamese Games Committee is anxious to invite all Canadians to participate and celebrate in this significant event, particularly at this time when the City is making a serious bid for the Olympics in 2008.

Contact Name:

Ken Jeffers

Operations Support Co-ordinator

South District

Tel. No. 392-7019

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism