21st Vietnamese North American Games
The Economic Development Committee recommends that the report (January 29, 1999)
from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism be adopted
subject to adding to Recommendation (2) the words "and review the potential for
in-kind service support", so as to read:
"(2)the Parks and Recreation Division provide appropriate logistic support for the
21st North American Vietnamese Games and review the potential for in-kind service
support".
The Economic Development Committee reports, for the information of Council, having:
(1)indicated its support for the 21st North American Vietnamese Games and forwarded
notice of its support in this respect to the Municipal Grants Committee;
(2)requested the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism to:
(a)investigate the possibility of reviewing the costs of the rental of Centennial Park Stadium;
and
(b)examine the potential of the Vietnamese Association using other venues in the City in an
attempt to reduce the organization's operating costs
and report back to the Committee on the results of his investigations; and
(3)requested the Toronto Olympic Bid Committee to consider finding funds necessary to
ensure the 21st North American Vietnamese Games is a success.
The Economic Development Committee submits the following report (January 29, 1999)
from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:
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 21st 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; and
(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 21st 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
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The Economic Development Committee also had before it the following communications,
which were forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda of the Economic
Development Committee for its meeting on February 12, 1999, and copies thereof are on file
in the office of the City Clerk:
-package of material from the Vietnamese Association of Toronto; and
-(February 12, 1999) from Councillor David Miller, High Park - Parkdale, supporting the
request from the Vietnamese Association of Toronto for funding for the 21st North American
Vietnamese Games in the City of Toronto.
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The following persons appeared before the Economic Development Committee in connection
with the foregoing matter:
-Mr. Chi Dang, Board of Directors, Vietnamese Association, Toronto;
-Ms. Anh Ky Do, Board of Directors, Vietnamese Association, Toronto;
-Mr. Toan Nguyen, Chair, United Vietnamese Canadian Youth, GTA; and
-Mr. Cham Nguyen, Treasurer, United Vietnamese Canadian Youth, GTA.
