Now I feel special...I've received my uniform and all the bits and pieces that go with it. There's couple of other things that I will get later, not sure what they are for or why, but eventually it all seems to work out in the grand scheme of things.

For my part in all of this, I received two shirts and a jacket, in an orange yellow or its that yellow orange, colour? I'll have to get out my colour wheel.

Also a hat, backpack, water bottle, pocket sized info booklet and two gift coupons. One from Joe Fresh and one from Esso.

Big thanks to the sponsors!

I must have horseshoes, because I was the only one picking up at the uniform centre the day I went. Of course it was right at rush hour and it did take me an hour and a half to get there, but well worth not having to wait in any lines. I was in and out of there like Flash Gordon.

On my way out I smooshed (I really don't think that's a word) my signature in between the thousands of other volunteer names and well wishes that were signed on the wall. When you see how many people are giving their time to help with the games, it is truly inspirational and humbling.

I'm curious to see what they will do with the wall after everyone has signed it. It would make great wallpaper.

What to post when you can't post

Pan Am logo

The posts for this blog have been far and few between due to the secrecy factor of the Opening Ceremonies. It's difficult to blog about something when you can't post any pictures or tell anyone what you've been up to. When I volunteered I had no idea where I would end up—what position I would get. And it never occurred to me when I started this blog that I would have to sensor it.

I will say this: The people I've met are amazing. Their energy is infectious. I've met some of the world's best production people and yet they are completely approachable and down-to-earth. You would never know that in a few short weeks they are going to put on the largest stage production in Canadian history!

I had an absolute blast at the last meeting. The prop assistances, squeezed into a little dark room off the side of the main rehearsal area, and were treated to a slide show of the Opening Ceremonies—an introduction to what will happen on July 10th.

It's going to be fabulous! — don't miss it!

Some of the performers were rehearsing and we were allowed to watch (only under a vow of secrecy and the threat of death). I was absolutely captivated by them and could have stayed there all day, watching them perform.

The other prop assistants are all very fun people, which is a good thing considering we will have our own stress in the days to come and throughout the live performance. Some are already worried about messing up during the opening ceremonies. But that's what makes live performance the ultimate art form. You can't retake, you can't erase. It's here, it's now and it's exciting.

Lovin' every minute of this gig so far...

Off to another location to do more Pan Am stuff...

Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Logo

Next weekend I should recieve my uniform and accreditation and something to blog about. In the meantime, here is a related post from my fencing blog: Foiling Around with Swords. I know, slow day at the Pan Am inbox...

In my last post, I made fun of the Toronto 2015 fencing logo, where the fencer seemed to have created a whole new sport. At the time I thought it was an anomaly, but on closer inspection, I think not! Someone in the creative department for the Pan Am games had way too much fun on the job. 

Take a look at the the athletic figures. Specifically the tennis player in the middle.

Toronto 2015 logo

I know tennis can push athletes to their limit. Especially when faced with annoying spectators, however, attacking an unarmed spectator, (who has clearly surrendered), with a right forehand, is one step over the line.  

And not to be outdone, the wheelchair tennis player takes on an even more aggressive approach to deal with a heckler. He grabs the poor sot by the hand, intending to lob him over the net.

Toronto 2015 logo

Umpire, can I get a ruling on this?

I'll just post this next image and let you think about it for a minute. 

Toronto 2015 logo

I'm going to assume it's tandem cycling and the second cyclist is holding onto invisible handlebars — yeah, that's it —

Now, back to fencing.

Fencing Pan Am Style

Since my Pan Am inbox has been quiet lately, I thought I would re-post something I wrote on my fencing blog:Foiling Around with Swords

Re-cycling a blog — is that considered green?

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Fencing Pan Am Style:

The Pan Am Games ticket brochure came out today.

What shocked me, was how different Pan Am Fencing is from ordinary fencing.

In Pan Am Fencing there are three players:

• the front fencer who is given the sword
• the middle fencer who is given the glove 
• and the wing fencer who is given the helmet

Pan Am logo on ticket brochure

Based on what I've learned from the brochure, the wing fencer kicks the middle fencer towards the front fencer who then tries to impale the middle fencer before he himself is hit in the head. 

The middle fencer is allowed to defend using his hand, but only hitting the target area above the neck. 

The bouts last a full minute and points are scored when the sword goes clean through the middle fencer. Bonus points if the sword also goes through the wing fencer at the same time. 

Yellow cards are given for excessive kicking or dancing after the referee calls halt.

Gotta get me a ticket to that!

Props!

Pan Am Opening Ceremonies image

I am thrilled to officially be part of the Pan and Parapan Am Opening Ceremonies Team — Yeah!

There are more than 500 of us selected by TO2015 to help on stage and behind the scenes. The size of the production is awe-inspiring. Can't wait to see it all in motion.

My official capacity is Props Assistant, which is right where I wanted to be. When I sent in my application, (months ago), I had hoped for Fencing, Props or Costumes. Part of my duties as Props Assistant will be working closely with costumers, so two out of three ain't bad.

I'm still awaiting word on my Parapan Am position. All that has been confirmed to date is that I'll be part of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Until my next email...

Another tidbit

Pan Am/Parapan Am logo

Emails are dropping into my inbox fast and furiously. I never thought that getting emails could be so exciting. Each one offers another little tidbit about the summer games — slowly revealing what's going to happen but not yet letting me know enough about what I'll be doing. 

It's frustrating, wondering when, where and how many hours I'll be asked to put in, but there is the promise of the next email. It's supposed to reveal all...

The next email...

Things are speeding up in the volunteer world. I received two emails today! And soon, I will meet real people and receive my uniform and accreditation.

Since I'm scheduled to work on the opening and closing ceremonies, secrets are bound to be revealed. Unfortunately, I can't share what I learn with anyone. What I can share on this blog is the process of becoming a volunteer and what my work will entail - without letting anything out of the bag. I'm beginning to feel a little James Bondish — codes, ID badges, rendezvous for secret training sessions... I never thought that volunteering for a sports event would be a covert operation!

Looking forward to the next email...

Agent Pan Am, over and out.