Fitness Swellness: Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Official Store, Superstore and PANAMANIA

Things are ramping up quickly for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. And it’s only a few days until the Games begin! I’m excited to that some 10,000 of the best athletes from the Americas and the Caribbean compete right here in Toronto. And these Pan Am/Parapan Am Games will always be special to all of us from Toronto because it’s here in the 6. And for me, these games will always stand out even more so as I not only got to get a sneak peek of the Athletes’ Village, but I also was a torch bearer in the relay on behalf of Technogym. And, ahem, I was mistaken as a Pan Am athlete when I was at the Athletes’ Village (yes, totally bragging here).

Going to actually watch some of the Games will be so hugely inspiring, I encourage you to all try to go. Tickets start at $20 and 75 percent of tickets are priced under $45, so it’s a great opportunity to see your favourite sport live or, I also think it’s a fantastic opportunity to discover a new sport. You may just get inspired to add something new to your fitness routine!

If you’re amped up for Pan Am, surely you want to show that support! It’s high time for you to get your hands on some of the official Pan Am merchandise at the Toronto 2015 Official Store located at the north end of the Toronto Eaton Centre (on street level, near the Roots store). If you haven’opped in yet, I can assure you there are some great exclusive products and gear. From stylish tees (this Spadina tee above is one of the top sellers) and hoodies for everyone, to practical items such as reusable water bottles (I love the cute Pictogram one!) so you can stay hydrated as you enjoy the Games, and sunglasses and caps

to protect yourself from UV rays (buy them if you see a pair you like, because if you snooze you may lose — the shop was already sold out and waiting for another shipment when I popped in), useful items like this Cinch Bag (to tote your essentials like your water bottle, cell phone and snacks in as you go from one game to another) and just plain adorable items like the Pachi plush, this is where you’ll find that perfect Games item you can hold onto as a keepsake of this historic event.

I love that there’s something for whatever your budget is, whether you’re more in the market for a coffee mug or a weekender bag. You know that cheer, “We’ve got spirit, yes we do! We’ve got spirit, how about you?”? We bet with all of the great official merchandise at the store, you won’t be able to resist and there’ll be no questioning whether you’ve got Pan Am/Parapan Am spirit!

That’s not all, though. On Canada Day, the Toronto 2015 Superstore launched at Nathan Phillips Square. This store will be where you can get the nations collection so you can rep your country proudly. I’m cheering for Team Canada, of course! And besides shopping the Superstore, there are many other exciting reasons you’ll want to head to this location: the Nathan Phillips Square location is also where you can take in PANAMANIA, a mix of arts, music and cultural exhibits and performances. I’m talking about concerts from the likes of The Roots, Janelle Monae and The White Stripes. And it’s all free. Free! You can find more details about PANAMANIA here.

For more info on the Games, visit www.toronto2015.org.

(sponsored)

Leave a Comment July 3, 2015

Fitness Swellness: Karen Kwan, Pan Am Torchbearer

I should probably confess that when presented with the opportunity to be a torchbearer for the upcoming Pan Am Games, I was a bit hesitant. The idea of it made me nervous but I knew it was the chance of a lifetime and to play a small role in this part of the Games is an incredible honour that most people would love to have the chance at, so, of course, I said yes. I ran with the torch for Technogym, the fitness equipment sponsor (it’s Technogym’s advanced fitness equipment you’lll find the athletes working out on in their gym in the Athletes’ Village).

And I’m so glad I did. My portion of the relay ended up being in Hamilton and I arrived a bit late and quickly got changed into the torchbearer outfit and caught up on the process of how to step out into the road, turn towards torchbearer then towards the direction of the relay, and how to light my torch with their torch.

We did a fun little warm-up (it was on my Snapchat; you can add me, I’m healthswellness on Snap). And then we were all loaded onto the torchbearer bus, and it dropped us off one at a time at our designated spots, two torchbearers ahead of the relay. Before I knew it, it was my turn. I was a bit nervous, and I started walking but then it dawned on me, “Oh, this is it, this is my relay,” so I asked my relay escort if I could run, and she said to go at the pace I preferred, so I started a slow jog.

My friends Katherine and Lisa came to cheer me (I hadn’t invited many people given Hamilton is a one-hour drive from Toronto) and it was so nice to see them cheering and taking pics. I was so sad when I saw I was approaching the next torchbearer because the relay is so short (it’s 200 metres) it passed in a flash! Here’s a video my friend Lisa recorded (it’s steadier than the one I posted on Instagram yesterday):

I’m still on a high from this experience! Much thanks again to Technogym for the opportunity!

Leave a Comment June 22, 2015

Fitness Swellness: I’m a torch bearer for the Pan Am games

Tomorrow, on Sunday, June 21st, I’ll be in the torch relay for #Toronto2015 Pan Am games, I’m running with the torch on behalf of Technogym.

I’ll be out in  Hamilton on Main St. and my estimated relay time and section is from 504 Main St. to 557 Main St. at 12:52 p.m. I’m so honoured to part of this part of  Pan Am games history — thank you Technogym for the opportunity.

If you’re out in Hamilton, come by and say hi! I’ll likely walk with the torch; it’s only 200 metres so I want to stretch out my moment!

My friend Christopher will also be running on behalf of Technogym (you probably know their state of the art fitness equipment — they’re the equipment the Pan Am athletes will be working out on in the Pan Am Athletes’ Village gym; in fact, that’s me in that gym in this photo here!) on July 6 in Toronto, so keep an eye out for him, too, for his relay in the Beaches neighbourhood in Toronto!

Leave a Comment June 20, 2015