Ignite the Olympic Spirit – Toronto’s Newest Attraction Opens to the Public

Toronto, Canada - August 18, 2004

TORONTO -- August 18, 2004 - Olympic Spirit Toronto, the world’s first and only permanent entertainment complex themed around the Olympic Games, opens its doors to the public on Saturday, August 21, providing children and adults alike the opportunity to ignite their Olympic spirit 365 days a year.

State-of-the-Art Tourist Attraction

The $40 million, 52,000 square foot complex is the first permanent Olympic Spirit centre in the world. This awe-inspiring facility offers visitors five above-ground levels containing several interactive simulators and in-person interaction with a variety of Canadian athletes. Located in the downtown core next to the Yonge-Dundas Square, Olympic Spirit Toronto caters to tourists, parents, children, sports fans and educators.

“There is nothing in the world like Olympic Spirit Toronto,. says Peter Doyle, Chief Operating Officer at Olympic Spirit Toronto. .Toronto will be the first city in the world to be touched by the Olympic spirit. This complex gives Olympic fans the opportunity to witness first-hand the skill, dedication and talent required to become an Olympic athlete. When visitors leave our complex they will be awed, inspired, impressed and entertained.”

The complex will feature a stirring 12-minute feature film entitled ‘The Calling’, unique simulators, multimedia theatres, interactive kiosks, a 200-seat full service restaurant and a retail store.

Economically priced, tickets are $55 for a family of four, $8.55 for students and $18 for single adult admission. Special packages are also available for school trips, group tours and corporate functions.

Fueling Financial Growth for Toronto

As Toronto rebounds from a tourism slowdown, Olympic Spirit Toronto anticipates drawing in more than 250,000 tourists in the first year of operation, amounting to $3.3 million in tourism revenue.

“Olympic Spirit Toronto will be another big-ticket draw for tourists who are considering visiting Toronto,” says Bruce MacMillan, president and CEO of Tourism Toronto. “This unique complex will compliment other Toronto-based attractions and give tourists another reason to visit Toronto.”

The complex also expects to drive in more than 500,000 local GTA-based visitors within its first year. More than 150 new jobs have been created within the City of Toronto.

“It is an absolute honour that the International Spirit Development Organisation has chosen Toronto to house its first-ever Olympic Spirit complex,” says Kyle Rae, Toronto City Councillor. “This gives us another opportunity to showcase to the world how beautiful, diverse and resilient our city truly is.”

A Living Legacy to Olympic Athletes Everywhere

As part of its mandate to provide visitors with a realistic glimpse into the world of the Olympic Games, Olympic Spirit Toronto has hired more than 50 athletes to work in the complex, interact with visitors and provide motivational presentations to corporate and school groups.

“Olympic Spirit Toronto is dedicated to the celebration of athletes and the Olympic Games,. says Marnie McBean, Director of Corporate and Athlete Programs at Olympic Spirit Toronto. “Hearing first-hand the trials and triumphs of our athletes will only enrich the Olympic Spirit experience for our visitors.”

From Toronto to Athens - Celebrating the Spirit

Coinciding with this year’s Olympic Games, Olympic Spirit Toronto is celebrating its launch with a two-week Olympic festival called “Spirit in the Square.” The event taking place in Yonge-Dundas Square, will feature various activities each day offering Torontonians a chance to mingle with athletes, try their hands at various sports demonstrations and watch the Olympic Games live on a large screen in the Square. For a listing of daily events please visit www.olympicspirit.ca.

About Olympic Spirit Toronto:

Embodying the spirit, the fun, the sport and the international character of the Olympic Games, Olympic Spirit Toronto offers something for everyone under one roof in downtown Toronto. Olympic Spirit Toronto is a unique place where you can meet Olympians, learn, enjoy interactive games, view multimedia and static displays, dine and shop. It is a premiere event facility for corporate functions and community gatherings.

Olympic Spirit Toronto is managed by Toros Entertainment Inc., under official license by the International Spirit Development Organisation (ISDO) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Olympic Spirit Toronto is the first in a series of permanent Olympic Spirit centers planned to open worldwide. For more information: http://www.OlympicSpirit.ca

Naheed Ahmed MAVERICK for Olympic Spirit Toronto 416-640-5525 ex 416-579-5690 (mobile) naheeda@maverickpr.com

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