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Athletics Ontario has cancelled the Toronto International Track & Field Games due to a lack of funding. Scheduled to run at Varsity Stadium in eight weeks on June 11, 2014, Toronto Games organizers believe the quality and integrity of the meet would be severely compromised if plans were to proceed. Even with the event’s growing popularity, and interest among corporate sponsors, Athletics Ontario was unable to finalize vital partnership agreements, extend formal invites to athletes, or start selling tickets, without secure financial backing.

“We are terribly disappointed, especially given that the meet represented a major investment by Athletics Ontario to build enthusiasm for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Para pan Am Games, and had been embraced by the track and field community as a pivotal opportunity to enhance the legacy of the Games,” said John Craig, Executive Meet Director & Managing Director of Athletics Ontario, the not-for-profit sports governing body charged with developing and promoting track and field across the province.

The Toronto International Track & Field Games have steadily grown in popularity since its inaugural event in 2011.  Last year’s meet featured 40 Olympians from 14 countries and attracted a near sell-out crowd at the University of Toronto’s Varsity Stadium. In addition to celebrating the best Olympic calibre athletes from around the World, the meet has also included the crowning of Ontario’s Fastest Boy and Girl, the Pro-Am 4x100m Charity Relay, and an International High School 4x100m Relay.

“We wish to thank the athletes, coaches, volunteers, fans, and sponsors, as well as Sport Canada and the Government of Ontario, all of whom supported the meet over the years,” said Craig. “We regret that we will be unable to continue.”

About Athletics Ontario

Athletics Ontario (www.athleticsontario.ca) is Ontario’s not-for-profit sport governing body for athletics, which encompasses track and field, road running, cross country, and race walking. With a goal of making athletics one of the province’s top tier sports, this athlete-centred, volunteer-based, and club-and-community driven association’s mission is to develop, promote, and ensure the competent delivery of athletics programs and competitions.

For more information, please contact:

John Craig
Managing Director, Athletics Ontario
Executive Meet Director, Toronto International Track & Field Games
416-426-7214
[email protected]