STAFF REPORT
December 28, 1999
To: Scarborough Community Council
From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject: The Indianapolis Scarborough Peace Games
Former Wards - Scarborough
Purpose:
To report to Scarborough Community Council on the results of the Indianapolis Scarborough Peace Games hosted in
Scarborough on the weekend of July 23rd - 26, 1999 and to recommend support for the Games of 2000 in Indianapolis.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
Funding is included in the base Operating Budget for 2000 in the amount of $41,000.00, a $20,000.00 grant and
$21,000.00 in operating expenses, to support the games. The Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer has reviewed this report
and concurs with the financial statement.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
(1) the Parks and Recreation East District continue to support the partnership with the Indianapolis Scarborough Peace
Games for 2000 in Indianapolis and in the City of Toronto East District in 2001; and
(2) the appropriate City of Toronto officials be authorized to take the necessary action to give effect thereto.
Background:
The East District Parks and Recreation Division, in co-operation with the Indianapolis Scarborough Peace Games
Volunteer Organizing Committee, hosted the 27th Annual Indianapolis Scarborough Peace Games on the weekend of July
23 to 26, 1999. These games, with emphasis on fun and participation, involved 15 different sports and activities for youth
to adults. The games include track and field, soccer, softball, baseball, volleyball, badminton, rugby, hockey, basketball,
brain games, chess, tennis, swimming, bowling and table tennis.
Comments:
As per Scarborough Community Council's request, the following event summary is presented.
Opening Ceremonies and Reception
The Opening Ceremonies were hosted at Birchmount Community Centre and Stadium on Friday, July 23, 1999, at 7:30
p.m. The Indianapolis contingent of athletes departed Indianapolis on Friday, July 23 at 6:00 a.m. on 20 buses. Over 800
athletes and coaches arrived at Birchmount Stadium at 6:30 p.m. for the official opening ceremonies. To assist in the
arrival of all the buses, the Toronto Police Department provided a police escort throughout the local streets from Highway
401 to Birchmount Stadium. This event's support from the police has been ongoing and instrumental for ensuring the
arrival of the Indianapolis guests.
After the Indianapolis athletes had met their Scarborough athlete counterparts and billets, the athletes were marched into
the stadium. Over 1600 participants and coaches were enthusiastically received by parents and dignitaries from both cities.
The opening ceremonies included greetings from Council, senior Parks and Recreation staff and the executive of the
Games from both cities. Following the opening ceremonies, a reception was hosted by East District Parks and Recreation
and the Scarborough Peace Games Committee. This reception in the Birchmount Community Centre was held for
Councillors, coaches, and executives from both cities.
VIP Breakfast
On Saturday, July 24 at 7:30 a.m., East District Parks and Recreation hosted an outdoor breakfast for Councillors and
executives from both the Indianapolis and Scarborough Committees at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre. The breakfast was
well received by over 50 people in attendance.
The Games and Venues
Over 700 participants between the ages of 10 years to adult participated in 15 different sports over the two-day
competition. The Games included: Badminton at Laurier Collegiate, Track and Field at Birchmount Stadium, Basketball at
Woburn Collegiate, Baseball at Highview Park, Tennis at L'Amoreaux Tennis Centre, Swimming at Laurier Collegiate
Pool, Hockey at Mid Scarborough Community Centre, Volleyball at L'Amoreaux Community Centre, Softball at Mid
Scarborough Community Centre, Brain Games and Chess at the Scarborough Civic Centre, Soccer at L'Amoreaux Park,
Rugby at McLevin Park, Bowling at Kennedy Bowl, and Table Tennis at Woodsworth Public School
The games had very few incidents related to venues or the organization of the games. Games were competitive in all the
returning sports and in the new sport hockey, which was well received by spectators and competitors. The results of the
two-day competition saw the Scarborough teams win 12-3 in the events. The chairperson from each sport reviewed their
activity at the summary meeting in October, 1999 and will meet with the Indianapolis representatives in February 2000 in
Windsor, Ontario.
Saturday Evening Reception
The Saturday evening reception was hosted and operated by the Scarborough Peace Games Volunteer Committee and
facilitated by East District Parks and Recreation. The evening function took place at Burrows Hall Community Centre. The
catered event was well received by those in attendance.
Closing Ceremonies
The Closing Ceremonies for the Peace Games were held at Centennial Community Centre. The Closing Ceremonies
program was successful and all participants in the Games were recognized by representatives from Council and the
Executives of both cities. Consideration will be given by the Peace Games Committee to moving this event to the
Scarborough Civic Centre.
Indianapolis Hosted Dinner
The 1999 Appreciation Dinner was held at the Scott House in Scarborough on Sunday, July 25. A dinner hosted by the
visiting city has been a regular component of the Games. The Executive and Council members from Indianapolis
sponsored the dinner for the Scarborough Executive and members of Scarborough Community Council in appreciation for
the weekend's festivities.
Athletes' Departure
The athletes' departure took place at Centennial Community Centre on Monday, July 26, at 6:00 a.m. The departure
involves assistance from the Toronto Police for the bus escort to Highway 401 and effective communication to the billets
of the athletes to ensure timely departure for participants travelling back to Indianapolis. All elements of the departure were
in place for departure by 7:00 a.m.
Post Game Meetings
On the Sunday immediately following the Games, Executives from both cities met to discuss immediate concerns and
recommendations with regards to the 2000 Games. Discussions took place around travel arrangements for athletes, coaches
and executives and the possibility of flying athletes as an alternative to bus travel. The Executive Committee of
Indianapolis will be investigating potential costs and sponsorship opportunities. Other discussions included investigating
joint fundraising efforts and cross promotion strategies for the Games. These discussions will continue at the joint
Executive meeting in Windsor in February, 2000.
Conclusions:
The 1999 Indianapolis Scarborough Peace Games operated smoothly and virtually incident-free to create one of the most
exciting Peace Games ever. The success of the Games is made possible each year by the significant volunteer contribution
in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Division. Each year the combined effort of each of these groups has created a
memorable experience for all participants in the Games.
Contact:
Paul McNabney
Supervisor of Recreation and Facilities
Parks and Recreation, East District
Phone: (416) 396-7810
Fax: (416) 396-5399
email: mcnabney@city.scarborough.on.ca
Joe Halstead
Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department
List of Attachments
Attachment No. 1 - Indianapolis/Scarborough Peace Games - Parks and Recreation - East District - Budget for 2000
