Markham Pan Am Centre marks 10 years as a world-class sports hub
By David Yin, Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Markham Pan Am Centre celebrated its 10th anniversary this fall, marking a decade of hosting world-class sporting events.
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports, including taekwondo, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, badminton, and pickleball at the anniversary celebration. They also had access to other activities, including an inflatable slide, a car show by Thornhill Cruisers Car Club, live DJ music, food trucks, therapy dogs, and various appearances by Pachi, the mascot.
Morgan Jones, commissioner of community services, welcomed attendees at 1:30 p.m., followed by remarks from Mayor Frank Scarpitti and a stage appearance by Pachi.
Scarpitti said that building the Pan Am Centre was already an achievement. He said that when the Toronto Organizing Committee for the 2015 Pan Parapan Games (TO2015) was deciding on an additional venue, they almost forwent building the sports centre.
“[TO2015] told us, ‘We know this is the right place to build this centre because of the legacy, the demographics, and the sports culture that’s in Markham,” he said. “But they said, ‘We just have limited dollars.’”
He said the city stepped in with additional funding to ensure the project moved forward.
Since opening, the centre has hosted more than 1,000 events, from the Artistic Swimming World Cup to the Water Polo National Championships and an Olympic table tennis qualifier.
“Our staff have done an amazing job of building it as a premier, world-class sporting centre,” he said. “And that’s why I say these events keep coming back.”
The Markham Pan Am Centre offers a variety of sports facilities for individuals, as well as for local, national, and international events. Examples include a multi-level fitness centre; a 36,000 sq ft gym that can hold 15 badminton, seven volleyball, and three basketball courts; and a 10-lane, 50-metre swimming pool that meets Olympic competition standards.
The centre offers public swimming and drop-in programs for badminton, pickleball, table tennis, and other sports.
Scarpitti said that organizations need to book around a year in advance to hold a major event there.
For more information, head to www.markhampanamcentre.ca.
Photo: The Markham Pan Am Centre offers a variety of sports activities for people of all ages.