SPORTS

Large opportunities for Latintown in Pan Am games

By Jabbari Weekes
Puede mi tenga un trabajo? Or for non- Spanish speakers, Can I have a job? Thats the question on the minds of many unemployed Torontonians including Latin-Canadians. However, international marketing consultant, Mauricio Ospina is using the 2015 Pan American games as a platform to create a Latin town for people of the Hispanic community. Proposed in 2009, Ospina, along with the Diversity Network approached Pan Am CEO, Ian Troop, to put together an epicentre for Hispanic businesses in the Distillery district. We never had a Latin town in Toronto, although we have it prominently in Montreal I knew Toronto was vying for the 2015 Pan American so I proceeded with my idea, said Ospina. With the games representing 42 countries, half of which are Spanish speaking, its important to Ospina that the games embrace the community. As well as providing a place where Latin Canadians can call their own. Ospina adds, We can start having organizations that are ours, with a Latin sort of name or feel. Pan Am officials are already making offers to hire Spanish suppliers in construction and translation for the upcoming centre. Two times already they have personally sent requests but thats not really a guarantee

For Ospina, he makes it quite clear that the onus is on Hispanics to make use of this opening. Yes, we have higher unemployment rates and hopefully this may be one opportunity its not the answer, but it is part of an answer, said Ospina. Studying the success of other ethnic communities in Toronto like, Greektown and Little Italy; Ospina noticed three common factors. If the towns are close to the downtown core, more people will visit. When these communities are near an established institution or street such as the Danforth festivals like, Taste of the Danforth attract large crowds. According to Ospina, Latin town could take five years to complete or less with the schedule for the games speeding up. However, he makes it clear the space isnt just for Latinos. It doesnt mean all Latin people are going to live there, its just where Spanish oriented activities will take place and other ethnic groups who may get overlooked will find help, said Ospina.

PAGINA p.aji.na 24 veinticuatro (ven.tee.qua.troh)

Did You Know? The official drinking age in Dominican Republic is 18years, evem though noone obeys it.