A History in Photos
Management Team (pg 26) – Comments (pg 32)
2015
While attending the World Championships in Lyon France in August, navigating the city to find the three or four venues, it came to me (Doug) that Toronto would be a great place to host the championships. We just finished hosting the Pan Am Games in the new stadium.
There was also a new subway line under construction that would link the new stadium, the Toronto Track & Field Centre (right across the street), and Varsity Stadium downtown.
So, one evening, after we got back to our Chalet, brought it up to Mike and Paul. They thought I was nuts!
When we got back to Toronto, Mike provided me with some contacts from the Pan Am Games. I had the naïve idea that with the administration structure and all the volunteers still in place, they might be interested in this new project. I actually got to speak the David Peterson, the former Premier of Ontario, who was the Chair of the Games LOC. He wished me good luck ! I quickly came to realize that the Pan Am Games LOC, as a multi-million dollar enterprise, might not be interested in carrying on as a volunteer organization.
Rebooting the business plan, I was trying to think of who could lead the pursuit of a World Championships and someone came to mind!
I had worked with John Craig for years when he was President of Athletics Ontario. We had a great relationship. I knew he had just retired from AO. I gave him a call, and we decided to meet. We met for a coffee at a shop about halfway between us in the Shops at Don Mills. November 3rd at 11:30am. A day that lives in infamy! It was a beautiful afternoon and we sat outside. I gave him my spiel. I think he was more impressed by my enthusiasm that by my babbling about how it be so easy. I wasn’t trying to con the poor guy – that’s what I thought at that beginning stage. (I go into detail about this meeting because, without John, this never would have happened)
We had our very first LOC Meeting on November 24th.
2016
Simon Rayner’s team came up with our first logo in March
Some members of the LOC
Thanks to Jackson Murphy at Pound & Grain for developing our original bid web site
May 2016 – inspecting York Lions Stadium with WMA VP of Competitions Brian Keaveney
June 2016 – WMA Technical Delegation visit to Toronto They were here to check out the facilities described in our bid application
A pair of Cadillacs at our disposal for the weekend courtesy of Shelley at Tourism Toronto
Lunch at Steamwhistle Brewery – potential Athlete’s Party venue
Tour of Varsity Stadium with UTTC Head Coach Carl Georgevski (L)
Impressive view on the way to the Islands to tour the non-Stadia courses hosted by Race Directors George Hubbard and Stafford Whalen
Race Director Gary Westgate hosted a tour of the Centennial Park Cross Country Course
Final day – breakfast at the Chelsea with Councillor Michael Thompson
October 2016 - Perth WMA General Assembly
Our bid Booth was right next to our competitors – Gothenburg Sweden
Bid Presentation Team at the October 30th WMA General Assembly (Leslie Estwick had to leave early)
A bit nervous during the very close vote count!
68 to 57 – if seven delegates had voted for Gothenburg, they would have won the day!
Carolyn brought the champagne
Post-win Party in Doug’s suite overlooking the ocean
2017
January – first LOC meeting after winning the bid
March 2017 - Our booth at the WMA Indoor Championships in Daegu Korea The LOC assigned these two volunteers to man the booth for the duration of the meet
April 2017 LOC meeting
The Ontario Masters hosted the 2017 NCCWMA Championships in August. TAEM bid for, and won, the 2019 NCCWMA Championships to use as a dry-run for TO2020
NCCWMA Championships with NCCWMA President Sandy Pashkin and WMA President Stan Perkins
2018
January – Meeting with Rob Guy from Athletics Canada
June 2018 – Venues tour with the Management Team
August 2018 meeting with Brian
WMA Outdoor Championships – Malaga Spain – September 2018
Malaga Booth with our popular spike bag handouts
Selfie Frame
Meeting with the WMA Council
Malaga handing over the flag to the TO2020 LOC
New logo in August 2018
November 2018 – Meeting with the Non-Stadia Race Directors
2019
WMA Indoor Championships - Torun Poland
March - TO2020 Booth with Gena from Tourism Toronto
Meeting with the WMA Council
April 2019 - Managers tour of the venues – at the TTFC
June 16, 2019 – Meeting with the WMA Council at the meet hotel – The Chelsea
TAEM Secretary, CEO, and Treasurer signing the WMA Contract
July 2019 – NCCWMA Championships
Used the meet as a dry run for TO2020
One year out meeting with the WMA Council at the NCCWMA meet – at The Chelsea WMA Council, in blue, from the top; Europe, South America, NCC, Africa, Asia. Treasurer, Margit, the President. Brian , VP Competition, Secretary
Dinner with the Council
Invited Irene Obera to be our guest at TO2020 Irene competed in the first WMA Championships in Toronto in 1975
August 2019 – LOC meeting with Brian
September - the WMA finalized the schedule
December 2019 LOC meeting 2020 The Home Stretch
February - Volunteer Leaders Meeting
March - Tours of venues and Management meeting with WMA Official Alan Bell
Jay Yakabowich’s team designed the medal – concave on one side, convex on the other
The ribbon
March - CN Tower Media Launch - TAEM with Ontario Minister of Sport Lisa MacLeod (Rob missing)
Management Team
Established in 2016, Toronto Athletics Event Management Inc. (TAEM) is the not-for-profit corporation managing the World Masters Athletics Championships Toronto 2020
TAEM
John Craig Chief Executive Officer
Paul Osland TAEM Treasurer
Doug Smith TAEM Secretary
Simon Rayner TAEM Director
Robert Jackson TAEM Director
Local Organizing Committee Advisory Panel
Doug Smith LOC Chairman
Paul Osland LOC Vice Chairman
Phyllis Berck Director, Toronto Office of Partnerships
John Craig TAEM Director
Kristen Dajia Throws
Dr Damien Dupuis
Robert Jackson TAEM Director
Simon Rayner TAEM Director
Dr Michael Sherar
Jay Yakabowich Awards
Brian Keaveney WMA Advisor
Managers
Irene Maguire Manager of Event Support Services
Vanessa Sarjeant Manager of Administration
Albert Tschirhart Director of Competitions
Abidah Shirazi (Brand Rebel) Marketing, Advertising and Strategic Planning
Chris Charlebois (C2C Sports & Entertainment Inc) Marketing, Advertising and Strategic Planning
Race Directors and Advisors
Randolph Fajardo Technical Manager - Athletics Ontario
George Hubbard Road Race Director
Ian Reid Officials
Stafford Whalen Road Racewalk Director
Gary Westgate Cross Country Director
Mehdi Kajbaf IT Manager
Government Advisors
MP Peter Fonseca Federal Government VISA and immigration resource
Cristina Mussullo Tourism Toronto - client services manager
Finance & Risk Management Committee
Gabe Hayos Manager of Finance
Paul Osland TAEM Treasurer
Chris Charlebois C2C Sports & Entertainment
John Craig TAEM CEO
Functional Area Coordinators
Amy Ballon Ian Hall Athlete’s Party Coordinator Bookkeeper
Andrea Ngui Jack Pontes Marketplace Coordinator Opening & Closing Ceremonies Coordinator
Bob Finlay Jasmeet Cheema Accreditation Coordinator Operations Coordinator
Justin Tung Mary – Rose Weir Press Operations & Media Coordinator Meetings Coordinator
Katherine McLeod Mehdi Kajbaf Doping Control Coordinator IT Support Coordinator
Maria Paisley Peter Symons Transportation Coordinator Volunteer Management Coordinator
Martha McLellan Paul Craig Welcome Centre Coordinator Competitors Handbook Coordinator
Rita Botelho Sarah Bennett Athlete’s Party Coordinator Medals Coordinator
Sandy Turney Sarah Daly Canada Welcomes Coordinator Press Operations & Media Assistant
David Robinson Val Sarjeant Medals Coordinator Signage Coordinator
Simon Houzer Wendy – Ann Clarke Technical Information Centre (TIC) Communications Coordinator Coordinator
Key Volunteers and Captains
Annie Jay Welcome Centre Key Volunteer Kathryn Garrett Results Key Volunteer Benjamin Shindman Open & Closing Ceremonies Key Volunteers Megan Lashley Volunteer Management Assistant at Check-in Bob Dann Field of Play Captain Paul Hebert Carolyn McSkimming Medals Key Volunteer F.OP. Coordinator of Captains Philip Wisener Charlie Laister Non-Stadia Key Volunteer Medals Key Volunteer Rene Thomas Concetta Buonaiuto F.O.P Coordinator of Captains F.O.P Captain Timothy Chen Dianne Kerr Volunteer Management Key Volunteer Call Room Key Volunteer (Recruiting)
Donna Benoit Tony Soul Ojo-ade Welcome Centre Key Volunteer Volunteer Management Assistant
Frances Enchin Veronica Rouse Volunteer Management Key Volunteer Call Room Key Volunteer (Training) Vismay Buch Jill Hamilton F.O.P Captain Non Stadia Key Volunteer Yvon Cote John Wilton TIC Key Volunteer Transportation Key Volunteer (Airport) David Jong Judith Shindman TIC Key Volunteer Non Stadia Key Volunteer
Assistants
Adrienne Gordon Volunteer Management Lynn McFerran Volunteer Management Catherine Meade Opening and Closing Ceremonies Megan O’Malley Social Media Circe Langree Le Coq French Translation & Marketplace Assistant Milton Bernal Canada Welcomes Campaign Assistant Connie Cadotte Non Stadia Volunteer Rathod Ranganathan Opening and Closing Ceremonies Erin Schnepper Volunteer Management & Call Room Rene Graham- Evans Accreditation Assistant Gautam Bhatara Volunteer Management Rhonda B Cohen Accreditation Assistant Jackie Silverberg Volunteer Management Robin Turbull Opening and Closing Ceremonies Jim Courtney Welcome Centre & Way Finding Sharon Clarke Volunteer Management Jodi Treble Field of Play Captain Shivanie Mangal Meetings Assistant Juliette Bideshi Event Support Services Assistant Sonya Agbessi French Translation Judeen Johnson Volunteer Management Stuti Bindesri French Translation Karen Gowans IT Support Susan Stone Volunteer Management Katherine Mather Volunteer Management Suzanne Wintrob Accreditation Assistant Kristen De Fillppis Press Operations & Media Assistant Violeta Garfunkel Spanish Translation Linda Black Accreditation Assistant Vivek Jadhav Operations Assistant Linda Sheridan Canada Welcomes Campaign Assistant
Mentors
Jason Bunston IT Support
Melanie Chiu Marketplace
Colin Harris Security
Frank O’Rourke Security
Gabe Hayos Project Management
Comments After Cancellation Announcement
While some comments are addressed to Doug Smith, they refer to the entire TO2020 team
Louise Rudd Right decision but very very sorry after all your efforts, was looking forward to visiting Canada for the first time
Guy Dirkin Thanks for letting us know. It’s a real shame to have to cancel and we appreciate the work you all have put in to this point.
Nancy Catton Unprecedented times. Thanks to LOC for all their time and work.
Andy Clements Tough but fair call.
Bill Courtney Best of luck with the thankless task ahead and for all the hard work already done , stay safe my friend
Tracy Viggers Thank you Doug and all the crew for ALL your work....always!!! I have certainly appreciated everything you have done!
Ruthlyn Greenfield-Webster RN Many THANKS to you and your team Doug Shaggy Smith for all your hard work in planning the event! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I know this must’ve been a heartbreaking decision to make!! I look forward to participating in this event whenever/if it’s rescheduled!! Now I hope you can get some well- deserved REST! ❤️
Carolyn Dossal So sorry Shaggy. Thanks for all of your time, hard work and patience. And to the rest of the LOC as well.
Darren Towart Thank you, Doug Shaggy Smith, please keep Canada safe and I'll come when your ready one conditions you organize the biggest free party
Anne de Thy Thank you for the update. Thanks for all your efforts. Hopefully we can see them come to fuition next year. Stay safe.
Francois C Boda Thank you Doug for all your efforts.
Gerald Mc Thank you LOC. The correct decision even if a hard one.
Roger Pierce Doug.. so sorry...You and so many folks worked so hard on the Championship..
Kristine Hamilton A difficult, but the right decision! Peter Van Aken THANK YOU DOUG, AND COMMITTEE. You were extremely prompt and response when I had a question back in 2019. Thank you for your energy and dedication and commitment. CANADA STAY SAFE!
Roman Marenin I know it was a tough call, but I believe we all understand. Thank you for always keeping us posted. I know it's tough for you and the rest of the committee and we'll certainly miss the opportunity, but look forward to possibly having it in Toronto in the future!
Maryline Anna Roux Aw Shaggy, Paul and the entire Canadian team, I am sorry. Wise decision nevertheless for the good of All. Your hard work will not be vaine —whenever the Championships will happen it will be better than ever. Hug from Colorado
Cath Duhig This must have been such a tough few weeks, culminating in an even tougher decision. It's not just the couple of weeks of the championships that you have had to sacrifice, but all the years if preparation and enthusiasm and commitment that led to being awarded the event and then putting everything into place. I just packed away my new Spanish kit into a red Toronto 2020 promo bag I picked up in Málaga and will keep it there to keep the faith with the event and all of you. Thank you for all you have done so far, and for your bravery in cutting the comp, and wishing you the health and strength to get through these challenging times and come out the other side of all this and fired up for whatever the future holds
Derek Pye Thank you for all of the hard work and concern
Jerzy Krauze Doug, thank you for the information, of course the health and safety of athletes and the LOC team is the most important! We expected such decision, thank you for the work you have done,
Ran Mills Sad, but great decision
Nyki Rogers I'm so sorry Shaggy. I know you were pouring your heart and soul into this. But I think you made you made the right call. Best wishes.
Janet Naylon Sad but necessary. Thank you for all the updates and the preparations to date.
Matt Beechey Thanks Doug to you all. Peace out till next time
Dan Slovitt Doug thanks for all the work you and the others put into this. Right decision but still ultra difficult to make. Stay safe.
Frederic Tremblay I was hoping for a different and later outcome and decision... But it's your championships and you know best.
Kathy Slouber I know a hard decision for you guys!! Hoping another meet ssometime up there!!!! Thanks for being very organized and letting us know!! Was looking forward to it but more imoritant to be safe. Thinking of Mary Roman who just passed away from the virus and she was so strong!!!
Mark Giglio Thank you Doug and committee, it's a hard decision and we all respect how hard it is for you and committee to come to it.
Michael Cornyn Doug,its the right decision with so much uncertainty around for the summer,huge work done by yourself and committee,
Mathew Rogers Thanks for all the hard work your team has done
Spencer William Arnfield Sad news....but understandable. Bravo to the organizing committee for all of their hard work...much appreciated. I will continue to train hard and keep my mental focus...perhaps something may pop up in August....
Renee Henderson I know this must have been a difficult decision. Thanks for all your hard work just the same.
Ralph Fruguglietti Hate that you had to cancel this, because you have put lots time and money into the planning. But it is in the best interest of the entire world that it is postponed or canceled. Thank you for doing this now and not later...so we can move on. Hope to see it rescheduled, I would love to come to Toronto. Thanks again and everyone stay safe!!
John Campbell Doug Shaggy Smith that has to be gut wrenching for all of the organizing committee and everyone involved. We all appreciate everything that you’ve done and continue to do. We will be back in Toronto in the future and look forward to competing and catching up with old friends in the athletics world when things return to normal. All the best!
Katharine Kitty Cashman Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. At the end of the day, it was the Right decision especially with the unknown of when things will get back to normal and the age of the individuals competing. Safety first.
Jill Taylor Extremely tough call and we are all gutted, but necessary to make. Appreciate everything you and the Toronto LOC have done and are doing. Staying positive that it can be somehow rescheduled in 2021, and I will keep on training. Upside is I'll be up in the next age group by then :)
David Hood Doug Shaggy Smith Thank you for the early warning and to all of those who work so hard to plan and prepare these valuable/wonderful events. Until next time.
Ben Evans Doug Shaggy Smith, thank you for everything you and the LOC have done for all us masters athletes. It is a great shame that it's not to be, but the right and only possible decision under the circumstances. We'll have to put that beer on ice for now
Masao Sono Until the end of the tournament Worked hard I respect Doug and the people involved. thank you
Jean-Luc Marchand Very desappointed. All this work for nothing...so sorry for you and for us too...stay safe Shaggy and we'll be there next time stronger and more motivated. Thank you for keeping us dreaming of great competitions.
Mark Johnson It's ok. We understand. Stay safe everyone. See you next year.
Tony Fletcher Tough decision Doug..but it had to be done. Trust you & the family are healthy & well!
Peter Bromley Doug: I am happy to donate my entry fee to the cause as I know you all are taking a huge financial hit on this wise decision.
Terry Parks Very sorry, but as Joy Upshaw shared with me, the good thing about Masters track is that we have a lifetime of competitions to look forward to. Let’s all hope that this will all pass and we can get back to our normal awesomeness
Fidel Bañuelos I already received the refund email. I was surprised my registration fees were processed so quickly but also a bit disappointed. I was hoping there was a tiny chance the event would still happen. Oh, well...
Karen Sieben Thank you for helping keep us all safe and thanks for all your hard work in planning !! Love and peace and health to all!! Til we meet again
Paul Gautier Tough decision, but the right call! Thanks for everything you and the team have done. Looking forward to 202One
Jim Patterson A hard but right decision. Thanks Doug and colleagues for your hard work.
Gary Burak Thanks for all the hard work
Laurie Rugenstein I know this was a difficult decision, but I think it's the right one.
Dario Augusto Gomez Garibay Excelente desicion del comité, abrazos
Joy Upshaw Thanks so much for this announcement Doug Shaggy Smith & LOC... we are behind you in this decision 🙌🏽🏃🏽♀🏃🏽♂ Thank you. Ruth Rademacher Thelen I will be there whenever the next meet is scheduled. Wow! It must have been an agonizing few weeks for you and the WMA Board. I will continue to train by myself with thoughts of Mary Roman and others who are going thru such difficult times. I think the next WMA will certainly be a time of reflection and thankfulness that we are able to compete with others from all over the world. Best to all!
Julie Forster Thank you Doug. It is an enormous amount of work to make it happen and then to undo everything
Simone Hyland He knew the decision! We know about the hard work that a team has to organize any event. Thank you for your understanding and consideration for us and for our family and friends that we have with us and that we love. At that moment and in the near future, we would not be able to participate in a championship with thought in our homes and country in the midst of a pandemic. Yes, we will be together for some time and celebrating our new meeting.
Scott Lawrence Thanks Doug and the entire T2020 LOC team for your hard work.
Chris Clark So sorry Doug, thanks for all your hard work.
Brenda Davis Oh my gosh, tough call but better to be safe than sorry.
Francie Bayler Sad to hear but the right decission.
Colin Whittington Doug thank you for your commitment to Masters Athletics. You are a legend in our sport. From all at AVOHK in Hong Kong
Lenore Lambert Thank you so much to everyone who's put so much work into this. Of course we all have our personal disappointment about it (especially those of us who are freshly into new age groups!!!!) but you guys must be devo'd. I'm very grateful to the LOC and everyone who's put in time and effort. We recently had our Nationals here in Australia cancelled too....it's just the way of things at the moment.
Arthur E Gee Thanks Doug and your WMATO2020 Board for your organization of the games
Niroshi Fenando Very good decision you have been gotten
Kathleen De Wolf Said but the right decision! Thanks for all the effort.
Lyn Ahmet Thanks for keeping us informed all along the way. Was a great set up
R Kenneth ONeal Yes, excellent communication all the way through. Great work. Im sure that it would have been amazing.
Alex Ahmet It’s unbelievable but thanks to all the hard work and effort you all made to keep these championships, Take care and stay safe Thanks again
Remy Ndakoze Merci beaucoup les amis
Joyce Acton I share, with so many others, the disappointment of WMAToronto2020 having to be cancelled. I had not chosen my event(s) yet but have been in full training mode since last summer. The efforts and logistics required to (hopefully) reschedule will not go unappreciated Doug. Keep running, but most importantly, stay well and keep smiling
David Primeau Thank you Doug Shaggy Smith for all your effort and passion. The entire Master athletic community here in Canada will always be thankful to you and what you do for us, myself included. Every meet I made in TO in the past few years not only made me a better athlete, but also gave me the extra drive to push and push harder to improve while I had the chance to compete and share with amazing people my love for this sport. Thanks to all the WMATO2020 organization, to my fellow Canadian competitors and to the beautiful Toronto area. Hope to hear good news soon for some upcoming events. Until then, take care folks and much love.
Chris Holloman To you and all the dedicated people who put their heart and souls into organizing the WMATORONTO2020, I'm truly sorry that the decision to cancel was made...out of necessity and safety. For those who had set their sights on this Championship as a career highlight, I encourage you all to continue on and seek out more opportunities. I wish everyone the best and I hope to see you all down the road, fit, strong and happy. Cheers.
Emma McGowan Kogalama Thank you Doug for all you did for us! Now let’s stay focus and train for Edmonton next year! Have a great rest of the day !
James Barr Thanks for sharing the news, Rob D'Avellar! Doug Shaggy Smith, thank you and the committee for all the hard work you’ve done to prepare for this event. Though most of us knew this was inevitable, it’s still disheartening. Our Masters will continue to train hard despite these adverse times. Hoping everyone stays safe and healthy. We will miss you this summer.
Petja Taivassalo Right decision but I feel for you all. You and your team have given everything to put on a world class event. Kudos to you all. ❤️
Noel Ruebel Shaggy: So sorry your WMA event has been cancelled. So many of us were looking forward to the wonderful experience you and your administration were preparing to provide. Thank you for the tireless hours you and your team have undoubtedly poured into this endeavor, and I pray you’ll have another opportunity to show your stuff in the future.❤️
Ken Stone Inevitable, but reasonable. Bigger than even Doug Shaggy Smith dreadlocks.
Kevin Arloff Thank you Doug Shaggy Smith, and your entire committee for all your hard work.
Christel M Donley Would have done it no matter what: Thank you for tolerating this tough situation: maybe you can now get some “rest”? At least sit and ponder , what needs to be done next! Stay healthy, we shall see you some time!❤️
Diane Tedford Pierce So sorry. All of you have put in so much time. Hide or report this
Alex Rotas Can well imagine how tough this week must have been, Doug. What a disappointment after all that work
Philip Greenwald Thank you Shaggy and TAEM
Sandy Archibald Thanks Doug to you and the Committee
Sue Hallen Thanks Shaggy and all you did for the planning and work! Sorry we will not see you this summer.
Craig Hansen-Lubbers Thank you Doug and the clan for ALL your hard work and dedication put into having the World look at us not just as Canadian athletes competing but knowing full well the organization has taken a step forward in a new direction to making these games inclusive, successful and one of a kind!!! It was allot of work and I know as a business owner - I t was a hard decision!!
Dan O'Brien Thank you, Doug Shaggy Smith
Lupita Davila Muchas Felicidades Doug Shaggy Smith, por todo lo que organizaron
Christine Dolan Dorman Thank you very much for making this decision in a timely fashion. I am sure it was not easy and you have put in a tremendous amount of work. 珞 stay healthy and safe during these changing times.
Michael Cornyn Thanks for all the work
Dave Albo Feeling it for Doug Shaggy Smith and all involved. Super tough call to make. I’ll raise a glass 弄 to you this evening.
Andre Briscan Hard decision to take.
Tom Hott Thanks to Doug and all the others who have worked so hard for so long to host this meet. Looking forward to seeing many of you on the track soon.
Sherry Hott Doug Shaggy Smith, thank you and the team for the many months of hard work to plan to implement an outstanding championship and for keeping everyone informed along this recent uncharted path. We commend you and the team for the way you have dealt with such a challenging situation.
Carla Burks-Hoppie Thank you Doug Shaggy Smithdoug for all you do and have done. Also Thank you for you patience and positivity during the weeks leading up to this decision.
Michael Risley Please know we all appreciate the work you and your team have done. When it happens, it will be a very special Championships!
Ivy Bell We will miss Worlds and you. Thank you for all the hard work.
Jen Waeger St. Jean Thank you so much Doug Shaggy Smith and team. It is the right thing to do.
David Pitts A lot of people have expressed disappointment over things being cancelled. I’m sure this event will not be the exception. We all need to take a breath and consider how disappointed the organizers of the event are. You put on countless hours to make it happen. Thank you for your commitment to masters track and field. You are greatly appreciated!
Corné Haast It promised to be the best World Championships ever. I was so looking forward to it. Thanks Doug, Paul, David and all the others in the organisation committee
Uruemu Adu Kudos to them,great team
Bill Cook Thanks Doug Shaggy Smith, Paul O, Brian K, John C et al. I had volunteered for any/all Brampton Events.
Gary Burak Thanks for all the hard work
Durran Z Dunn Thank you, Canada, Shaggy and Team!
Damon Blakemore Doug Shaggy Smith you have always done a great job and are a true Ambassador. Thank you!!!
Linda Carty Thanks Doug Shaggy Smith and your entire committee for the hard work. See you in Edmonton!
Francois Bontemps Thanks a lot Doug Shaggy Smith..you were already a great man..you are greater today.thanks for all your work
Roxanne Brockner Doug Shaggy Smith You are the best! Take good care and hope to see you next time.
John Kasperski Well done Doug. I think it is the right decision, thanks for all your work!
Kate Cochrane-Brink Thank you so much to Shaggy and whole team!! So appreciative of your efforts. So sorry for your stress.
Liz Heney Maguire Thank you to the entire team for all you have done and continue to do. Masters athletics is as strong as it is because of you.
John Willett Such a valiant effort only to be struck down by forces beyond anyone’s control . Thanks to Shaggy and the whole team for all your hard work Jo Rupp Thank you Doug Shaggy Smith...I know you have all worked so hard to make TO2020 a fabulous event...so bummed.
Barbara Burgard Holzman I can only imagine the countless hours of organizational tasks Doug & his team have endured, along with the emotional decision to cancel & what all that will entail. I was looking forward to my Toronto visit & the meet . Thanks to all that were involved in making this event spectacular!
Mark Pasos Thanks Doug! I appreciate the hours, days, weeks and months you put into planning this. I was really looking forward to seeing you and your beautiful city.
Emil Muller Ladies and gentlmen , my biggest admiration on your work on tha WMA world Champs in Toronto.
Jassiel Torres Thanks champ!! We appreciate all the effort from you and your team! See you ay Worlds Indoor 2021
Ryan Leef . Great work done by all for sure! The excitement was palpable, the disappointment is manageable and the prospects for a future event motivational! Thank you to the organizing Committee and all the volunteers.
Hilde Bottin Indeed a big thank you to the organizers for all the work they have put in. This is the right decision to take.
Mike Young Thank you Doug Shaggy Smith for a all you do for Masters T & F ! You and your team have done a awesome job !
Howard Booth So sorry the WMA meet couldn't have been rescheduled but I understand great complexity in such a change. I greatly appreciate the good work you do for Canada and the world THANKS !! Hope to see you again soon and stay healthy.
Ralph Cilevitz Thank you Doug. The time you put in will never be lost as you have learned how to organize a WMA championship. It will now help you in the future. You also put the spotlight on Toronto, the CMAA and OMA. It's all good. Keep up the good work
Barb Broad Doug Shaggy Smith.. Thank you and the entire staff for working non-stop towards what was sure to be an epic WMA Toronto! As this was going to be my 1st WMA, I was one of those first-timers who emailed you numerous times with questions - and recommendations for hotels, etc., and you took the time to respond quickly with good info and suggestions. Thank you!
Mary Harada Thanks to all who worked so hard to put on the best WMA ever only to be grounded by a pandemic the likes of which the world has not experienced in a century. You did the right thing in canceling the meet . Thanks for making the right decision.
Louise Guardino absolutely! thanks for NCCWMA and for all the work put in to WMA. has got to be heartbreaking for you and your cohorts who would have put on a great event. Can't imagine how this hurts. bad as competitor but probably worse as organizer.
Terri Rath Thank you so much for the immense work you did to put this on
Kim Pagliarulo Lindner Thank you Doug Shaggy Smith for all your hard work. Stay safe and healthy
Angela Staab thanks. people like you organizers are the reason we are able to compete and have fun!
Gary Snyder Sr. So sorry Doug - all the best.
Anne Gormley That such a pity all your hard work but it’s been one year so far not to be forgotten
Mark Pinckard Disappointed of course but totally understand the decision. Thanks to all the organizing committee for all their hard work. Till we meet again. Dan Moriarity Sad but necessary. It's the right decision.
Beau Hatcher Sorry to hear. I can only imagine all the work that you and your team have put into it.
Christine Guy Heartbreaking for all...but the right thing to do
Sharon Evans Thank you for the update...my heart goes out to all of the people who have been working and striving...the hours to put this together...thank you for making the experience to date an amazing one. The camaradarie felt through these posts has been amazing, and Covid cannot take away the platform for community building that you have created
Wolfgang Göschl Thank you and the whole Organization Team for all the efforts. But it was a wise decison... Stay healthy I'm sure I will visit and compete in Toronto as soon as possible!
Coreen Steinbach I am so crushed for you all (and all of who were looking so forward to this). We KNOW the amount of work, energy and money you all put into not only securing this bid but then planning the event. We are sending our love and support to your entire team.
John Gonos The right decision, Doug. You would have had difficulty finding Officials if you guys went ahead!
Alin Liviu Ciolca Thanks Doug! Now for visiting Canada we"ll think Edmonton! I hope will see you there! Thanks again for all of you and yours work!
Sean Steele Thank you to all the LOC and others who have worked so long and hard for years. Disappointing yes, but that doesn’t diminish my appreciation for all that’s been done, especially in the recent very trying weeks.
Wayne Chee The right decision, but, disappointing nevertheless.
Stephen G. Viegas Thanks, Shaggy, I know the great work you and your colleagues do, not only on WMATO2020 but bailing out the regional meet. Stay safe!
Linda Reid I’m sorry Doug.. this is the right decision and know you and your team worked very hard on this.
Ian Snow Doug so sorry to hear this news.I know you have all worked so hard to make this happen.I hope you can find a way for it go ahead in the future.
Daniel Fiorini This will go down in history as the greatest meet that never happened! Thank you so much to everyone who has been involved. The effort you have made on behalf of Toronto, on behalf of Canada and the greater athletics community throughout the world is the true mark of a champion and is something that will continue to inspire us all in the future. TO2020 Strong!
Mark Newman Good decision but sorry for all the hard work you guys have put into it.
Ron Becht Great work by you guys. Disappointing but right call. Reload for the next one.
Marijana Morawski I’m sorry I know how hard you guys have worked on and for this
Scott Eriksson So sorry Doug, as much as I looked forward to competing this summer. I am sure this is a much bigger disappointment for you and everyone putting so much work in. I appreciate all of you.
Jerry Kooymans I'm so sorry for everyone on the LOC who has worked so hard, but it was the right decision.
Bruce Mitchell You and your teams effort's are very much appreciated
Criss Ross DiGiovanni I’m very sorry Doug Shaggy Smith. You all worked so hard. Such a disappointment.
Christine Courtney Thank you Shaggy! We'll catch up soon, somewhere, some year! Thanks again for everything you've done and your incredible team!
Walter Fernando Matias Thank you for the hard work planning the WMA 2020
Nonie Hudnall So sorry. Thanks for all the planning and hard work!
Ian Aseltine Thank you TAEM, for everything you've done for masters athletics in Ontario, Canada, and the World.
Tom Hott Sorry to hear this, but I totally understand. To readjust in just a year is impossible. This next year will be hard on everyone everywhere. Perhaps we will see you in Edmonton next winter.
Katharine Kitty Cashman Much appreciated for your dedicated hard work.
Sherry Hott We know it would have been an incredible championship. Thanks to you, the committee, and all involved in planning. We also appreciate all the communication along the way. We look forward to seeing you soon in better times. Be safe.
George W. Hubbard Thanks for the leadership and all your great work everyone.
Nicole Weijling-Dissel Thanks team for all and everything
Roger Pierce Thank all of you for your dedication and commitment for this Championship. Your efforts are sincerely appreciated.
Ruthlyn Greenfield-Webster RN THANK YOU again!
Paul Oakes Thanks for dealing with this so promptly, the decision is entirely understandable. Thanks for everything that you and the team have done in preparation for what would, I am sure, would have been a great event.
Ann Stark Oh gosh. THANK YOU THANK YOU ALL for your tremendous work. Bravo!
Chris Jarman Thank you for your efforts. I can’t express enough how much it’s appreciated and how much I will now double my efforts towards Edmonton 2021.
Marlène Bouillon Thank you all for your tremendous work
Bill Greenaway No doubt it would have been the best! Thanks to all the hard working organizers for all the work they put into this. It is truly appreciated! It’s unfortunate but not unexpected that the event could not take place. It’s certainly an unusual time. Stay safe everyone!
Chris Clark Thanks to you and your team for all the hard work.
Tony Farr Many thanks to all of you!
Gary Rush Many , many thanks to all of you from Ottawa
Nancy Catton Thank you to the entire LOC
Anne de Thy I can only imagine how disappointing this must be for your team, and the many volunteers. Thank you all for your efforts on our behalf. We'll look forward to the next big one in Edmonton.
Susan Heffernan We appreciate all of your hard work!!!
Michael Forbes Thank you for everything that you did. As a South African Masters Athlete, I have learned so much about Toronto without even going there. I took every opportunity to view your entire city and all its beauty. I sincerely hope that Toronto will host an event in the future because I want to find a reason to visit Toronto.
Jason Juggler Carty Thanks for the prompt and thorough update ... We salute you and your colleagues ..
Mike Young Thank You Everyone !!! To all those involved you are Much appreciated !!!!
Adjua Gibb As unfortunate as it is, we thank you and everyone involved in the process
José Escalera Flores So grateful for your genuine and unmeasured effort to make the event a success. Go ahead, you're one of the good guys and we know we can count on you.
Paul Masterton Doug, Thanks for the update. It isn't ideal in any way and I was so looking forward to meeting up with yourself and others in Toronto at some time. However, although I as one athlete am disappointed, you and your organising committee must be devastated after all the hard work that you have put into hosting the event. Please pass on my kindest regards to them all for their efforts. I hope you all stay safe, stay healthy and we WILL meet again soon #nolimits
Josée Duchemin Thank you so much for your hard work. I'm lifting my hat. Take care of yourself!
Gottfried Gassenbauer I hope (like probably many other athletes) that Toronto will submit an application for the 2024 World Masters Championships - and that the decision-makers will approve it. Thank you for the commitment of the entire team. All the best to all of you from Vienna / Austria - stay healthy !
Peter Van Aken echoing other comments- PLEASE try and bid for a future championship, such as 2024. I think you for the effort and energy and enthusiasm your committee put forth on this successful bid.
Spencer William Arnfield A huge thanks to the entire committee for their efforts. It would without a doubt have been an amazing meet. I truly hope that all masters athletes stay healthy and safe. We will meet again.
Jianping Xu Thank you Doug and the entire LOC for your work!
Kristina Ponton Thanx to everyone of you that has put so much effort into this. I feel for you. Greetings from Sweden.
Michael D. Jones Thank you for your efforts! Be safe!
Mikhail Titov Thank you so much for all your great work. Well said "...microscopic enemy " that so drastically changed the face of the world... It was a rare opportunity for many Canadian track and field enthusiasts to compete on a homeland soil. Let's fight for the brightest future and soon.
Josh Huff Well, we'll see all of you in Edmonton, and then Spokane next summer for the NCCWMA's. I wasn't sure how they were going to pull off a postponed Toronto, and have the Spokane meet in the same year. I'm sure Greensboro is next to get nixed...they have that town under lock and key as of right meow......
Christine Novakuske Lavallee So sorry this has happened to all those who have put so much work into this event. Hopefully, your work accomplished will spill over to Master’s events in the future in the province and country. Thank you so much
Ashling Smith Ahhh this is sad news indeed. The attention to detail so far indicated that yes,it was going to be a champion of championships..... Be very proud of the job you have done team.
Daniel Herbert A great thanks to all of you guys! I‘ll be there, if there should be a new championship in Toronto in a few years!
Liz Mitchell That is so sad .... for athletes planning to compete, and for the local planning people. We all know how much effort you all put into the planning and preparation. Thank you from New Zealand, and please know how sad I am to not be attending this event in your beautiful city. Kia kaha - stay strong .
Marcela Barrientos K Thank you so much for the effort and work of the entire organizing team. I'm sure this World Championship would have been one of the best as I had the chance to be in the NCCWMA 2019 and it was amazing. A hug from Chile and see you soon!! Take care of yourselves.
Juan Prieto Martin Many thanks to the whole team for your illusion and your work. It was going to be the best championship although Torun had set the ribbon very high. I hope that in the future Toronto will host another Championship and be able to know your hospitable city. A hug from Spain.
Silvia Dell Anno Thanks for the information. I really hoped not only to take part in the championship but also to visit Toronto for the first time! I look forward to a new championship there some time in the future! All the best for you and all of whom took part in the organization. Keep safe
Duncan Greenshields The Toronto LOC is to be complimented for its quick decision on not pursuing a rescheduling of the World Champs. A tough decision undoubtedly, but probably a logical, realistic one following the shattering one to cancel for this July. As well, their immediate refund of all registration fees is highly commendable. From what I can see, many (most?) races are NOT, or are hedging their bets as to timing, amounts, and/or guaranteeing the funds to be applied against future races. Well done!
Robert Rohregger I'm very sad, of course, but let me say you have done a very good job! Thanks for all!
Jose Ruiz Very unfortunate because we know the time you spent with your work team. It will be later. Success.
Cath Duhig The disappointment felt by any if us as athletes must be quadrupled, at least, by all.of those who have put so much into organising this event, which was squaring up to be amazing. Thank you all for the time and effort and enthusiasm invested, and here's to happier, healthier times.
Peter St Pierre Thanks for all your hard work over the years.
Sue Sitki Photography Thank you for all of your hard work. Brent Diaz Thanks for all your hard work. This was going to be an awesome meet. I had it in my Radar since you first announced it. Take care during this tough time. We all appreciate you all!
Benoit Bertrand Thanks to you Doug and all the team involved. Know that I've been there with the Montreal Police fire games comity. I can't tell how you feel as it is different and unique to you all. But I know it is not easy and can be quit hard for some others. Important to be supported in your journey by us in some sort of ways. I wish you see all the good work that gave you a new patrimony, you might have save lives and that is honorable to see and understand. Be safe
Mark Williams Thank you all for everything you have done it is appreciated more than you will ever know.
Victor M. Gan Flores These would have been my first World Master Athletes Championship. Like everyone else, we expected them training, enthusiastic and impatient. But now that it is cancelled for the obvious and imperative reasons, there is only to express GRATITUDE AND RECOGNITION to the work of that great team who always deliver their best effort in purpose
Jackie Carthy So sad to hear there will be no rescheduled event in Toronto. Was so looking forward to visiting your beautiful Country and taking part in what was to be a very well organized world masters . As they say never say never and l'm sure you will host in the near future
Dave Proffitt Desperatley sad... this was going to be my year. Gold in the steeple
Maryline Anna Roux Difficult to imagine the months and years of work and planning before a World championship. It ressemble the months of training for a race but no race happens-Except it took years for you guys. I applaude all the hard work from the entire Canadian team and admire your Grace in having to cancel couple months prior the event. I will still hope and dream you will realize it in the future
Chris Costa Thank you for everything!
Matt Beechey Thanks to Paul Osland Oly Doug Shaggy Smith Simon Rayner and the whole team. You all deserved better than this outcome
Rob D'Avellar Thank you for all your hard work. Truly phenomenal.
Emma McGowan Kogalama We will be alright Doug. It’s all good. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. I really appreciate you. Hopefully we will see everyone in Edmonton 2021!
Gary Snyder Sr. WOW! Crushed for you!!!
Christopher McConnell Thanks for everyone's efforts . I might visit the city after we return to the new normal.
Dave Cobb So sorry guys. So much work and it would have been truly great. I hope to see you at future events when things start to get back to normal. Your positivity is contagious and makes the world a better place. Keep smiling.
Stewart Maxwell Nothing you could have done to prevent this disturbing times. No one knows where we are going with this or where it will end our focus for many is just surviving.
Daniel Herbert A great thanks to all of you guys! I‘ll be there, if there should be a new championship in Toronto in a few years!
Alin Liviu Ciolca Thanks a lot for everything guys! You are awesome and the best! See you forward!
Linda Oxlade Thankyou for trying. We were really looking forward to this championships as it was where we had our honeymoon and we were pleased to be able to return. We had already organised flights and wonderful accommodation so there will now be choices to make. We do appreciate all the work that you put into it. Xx
Lucy Moore So sad for all the Masters community but especially for a the good people who put so much effort into organising the WMA in Toronto. For now stay well, stay safe & we will all live to meet and compete on another day.
Peter Brady Thank you so much to everyone who worked so hard to organize this event. Even though the event will not come to fruition, your tireless effort on behalf of the masters community are much appreciated.
Sharon Dooley Thank you for all you have done up until now. It is very sad that the championships cannot go ahead, however, life is more precious than anything so we shall be grateful we have our health and fitness to fight another day.
Francois Bontemps Thank you Doug for all the work donne since years..de all meet agai with high pleasure after this covid 19 will finished
Erik Klein So I assume that there is now zero chance for Toronto in 2021. That is truly unfortunate. I want to thank you all for the absolutely tremendous work you've put into these championships, from bidding to final registrations. Thank you so very much for lifting up our sport, and hopefully Toronto will be able to have a go in 2024.
Percy Arguello Rojas There is a doubt that would be a magnificent event. As previously it was found with the North and Central American made right there. The plan is postponed but the success of doing it will be La Meta. Greetings from Costa Rica and Blessings
Ian Egan Thank you for your hard work. To all of you great people. Simply, thank you.
Bob Morris It would have been something indeed!
Ashok Kumar Biswal unfortunate.your hard work is appreciated.thanks.
Diana Maria Vargas I'm so grateful anyway
Caroline Kearns Thank you for all your hard work. I'm disappointed but understand the reason behind this difficult decision.
Smile Gosto Well done to cancel WMA Toronto July 2020. I think you so much for your hard job you have done, wish you the best.
Naaz Zorawar Thank for your hard work
Sarah Chinner A heartfelt thank you. Take care all
Val Hargreaves Thank you for all you have done for athletics. I’m one of the lucky ones who gets to benefit from the top notch events you put on and there is no doubt in my mind that this would have been the best. Thank you and I’m so sorry you had to make this difficult decision.
Desmond Michael That's terribly sad if understandable. A rescheduled WMATO2020 would've symbolised the power to rise like the phoenix from the flames. Had it been possible, I'm sure the world community of masters athletes would've rallied to help you realise that ambition to make it the best ever.
Mike de Silva So many athletes, and supporters, were so much looking forward to what was to be the Diamond event in World Masters. Thanks for all of yours efforts, we feel your disappointment and frustration.
Jed Turner So sad to hear this news but under the circumstances fully understood. I have no doubt it would have been a magnificent championship. All the best for your efforts and wish everyone best of health.
Dieter Massin In fact, Doug, you have done a wonderful (preliminary) job, which unfortunately is not rewarded and crowned by the hosting of the games. This is a very, very pity and hurts my soul. That a virus is now putting an end to your plan and your enthusiasm is very painful. If you - like me - now feel this very virus in your own family, then you can see the whole dimension. Let me assure you and you as a team that you have done a great job. Thank you very much and stay healthy!
Jan Lionel Hi Doug and team. My heart goes out to you guys and it’s filled with sadness I was so hoping it would be postponed I have family in Toronto I was so looking forward to visiting. Bug love and hugs to all of you and I hope your team will stay safe xxx
Carroll DeWeese You and your team's efforts are much appreciated and should not be forgotten. Thank you.
Julie Forster It must have been difficult to come to this realisation after countless hours of work by everyone which would normally have culminated in the joy of competition! The world is irrevocably changed, at least for the foreseeable future.
Paul Forbes What a nice letter. The experience will stand the LOC ,and all its volunteers, in good stead when Toronto gets another crack at hosting the Championships in the future. The World is looking forward to visiting you when your ready
Geraldine Finegan Very sad fir you after all the hard work you put in but we the athletes appreciate you and your decision their will be better times and maybe a future in years to come without the virus I hope
Sarah Lawson Doug - I knew it was going to be one of the best World Championships ever, because you guys were working on it. Thanks to everyone for all your incredible hard work.
Jason Robinson The organizers for the WMA in Toronto sent out an email today stating that the WMAs are cancelled and not postponed. This is very sad news but totally understandable. I personally want to extend my gratitude to all of the organizers and supporters. I'm certain these championships would have been an incredible success. As a Canadian and former Torontonian, I am also sad that the rest of the world will not get a chance to visit this wonderful city.
Scott Eriksson Appreciate the incredible work you have all done to benefit masters athletes everywhere. If there is a link at which we can purchase Toronto 2020 shirts, make donations etc please share. It's a small way we can offer some support and say thanks.
Lynn Cooke Thank you to all behind the scenes on this. It’s disappointing to us as athletes but my guess is the measure of disappointment is even greater to the committee who worked so hard to put this together. We appreciate and recognize what you’ve done.
USATFMasters Thank you and the team for the many years of work for all of us.
Laurie Rugenstein I know you worked really hard on this for a number of years. It must be terribly disappointing to know that it won't be postponed. Thank you and the rest of the committee for everything you've done!
Matthew Spiller Thank you for all of your hard work!!! I hope there is a silver lining someday. I heard the NCCWMA meeting in Toronto 2019 was great. I was really looking forward to coming to Canada for the first time. Maybe you guys will have a Canadian Masters Nats in Toronto where USAians can come compete too.
Derek Gui Thank you and the team for all of that hard work
Andre Baynes Thanks for all the hard work and dedication
Adriene Pitts-Allen Thank you Shaggy. Appreciate all that your board has done to make this event memorable.
Lee Bridges Thanks to Team WMA2020 for all the work you put forth.
Gary Vanderhoof Can’t wait for the next event you and the great team will bring to the community. Thanks for your dedication and enthusiasm. See you soon
Matt Van Nest My heart is breaking for the team that put so much work into the WMA Toronto 2020. Based on everything I have seen from this group we would have been so proud to be Canadian and thus associated with this event. Thanks for all your efforts and sorry John Craig, Doug Shaggy Smith, Paul Osland Oly, Rob Jackson and Simon Rayner and a multitude of others (please tag John and Rob).
Jim Van Buskirk This is so disappointing for everyone but especially all of you team who put in so much work to make this a reality. Please give my thanks to everyone for their commitment and dedication to this event and we'll eventually see you all at a competition!!
David Shaw To everyone at WMA Toronto 2020, I like everyone else I am sure who would have been hoping to compete in Toronto would like to pass on my thanks for all your efforts in trying to run these Games and I offer my sympathies for the decision you have had to take which is the only one you could have taken in the circumstances.
Roy Collins It is unfortunate that the Toronto Games had to be cancelled. However, you can take solice from the fact that COVID19 has shaped 2020 as the most challenging year since 1665! Well done! Your team has much to be proud of. I would like to thanks the Management for all there hard work over the years,it is a great pity that the Championships were unable to go on as I was so looking forward to coming to your Country,people will remember this year for many reasons so thanks again. Cheers Mary Thomas from Australia
Thank you so much to the whole team for the hard work, the overcoming of obstacles.....just everything you did for us to try to make the Worlds in Toronto happen. Your decision is courageous, rational and compassionate - it is the right thing, likely the only thing to do as the world has been brought to its knees and recovery will take a very long time. It is heartbreaking for all of us but we stand, in strength, with you. Kris Kozell
Thank you all for the incredible effort to organize and deliver what would have been a terrific event. We pray all involved stay safe and healthy. Maybe someday, we will still have a chance to visit Toronto. All the best. Jim and Donna Scott
Please pass on a deep appreciation I have for all the hard work that went into the wma toronto 2020 games. Knowing that the biggest part of this event are volunteers. Please pass on my Thank you, well done all of you. Sharon M. Wright
I know that it is little consolation but all the time, money & hard work is still greatly appreciated.
Competing at a World Masters Championships is still the pinnacle event for me personally. I was so looking forward to Toronto. Representing my country once again, meeting up with old friends and trying to win an elusive medal or run a pb at the very least, meant so much to me. Now we are only allowed outside to get groceries, medicine or for testing. Some of us are losing our jobs and may not get another opportunity to travel to a World Champs. And more importantly, the sad loss of masters athletes that have succumbed to this virus when they should have been proudly competing. Although the situation is bleak at present with no end in sight, I will hold onto the hope that when things do turn around, I will be in a position to travel to another Championships, and what an emotional occasion that will be for us all! Cornelius Family
I am so disappointed for you in having to make the decision that the Championships would not go ahead in your city next year I am sure you thought it through over and over again and you are low at the moment World events have been against you and all sensible people know that Keep well and , hopefully, we will work together in the future Regards Alan Bell
I think I speak for many when I say CONGRATULATIONS on the massive amount of work you all did on this event. Canadian MASTERS athletes are proud of the WORLD CLASS event you lined up; the marketing, the organization, the coordinating of multiple venues, sponsors, vendors.. but ESPECIALLY for the mature, responsible and ethical decisions you have made around quickly notifying us that the event was delayed AND with your decision to postpone; it should always be about doing the right thing and this is what you did. Thank you – even without the event, we are proud of what you have accomplished. Andy Burnside
Just wanted to thank you all for the tremendous effort you have put into what would have been a great championship. We are naturally disappointed, but so appreciative of the incredible dedication, planning, and hard work that you have been putting into this event. It is a bitter pill to swallow, but I suppose it is inevitable in view of the current situation. Thanks so much for all you have done. Deborah Lee (would-be participant )
Just wanted to thank you for all the prompt information all through the planning and now this weird times we are into. Everybody from my group (form Austin Tx,) were very bummed this has happened, but I do know that everybody got their refunds very quickly. Thanks for that too. We were here for the NCCMA event last Summer, so we at least HAVE THAT. Carmen Ayala-Troncoso. ps. my husband (Ricardo) and I are still training and plan to do our events in July....he is happy because in this way, HE for sure makes the final.!
I wish you could be awarded a Gold Medal for your Championship performances. Ginny Richburg Team USA
A huge thanks for all of your efforts....indeed, it would have been a tremendous meet...but in the end...it wasn't meant to be. I truly hope that all masters athletes in Canada and around the world stay safe and healthy. We will all meet again. Thanks again, Spencer
God bless all those who had tirelessly put effort into what certainly would have been the best ever WMA Championships! Athletes the world over grieve with you, but pray that masters track and field will come back stronger than ever in years to come. We remain optimistic! Richard Soller
As a Masters Athlete who has been training and planning for this event for some time, I am very saddened by your announcement today. Having said that you are absolutely making the right move given the new challenges we are all facing. Please accept my deep and sincere gratitude for the enormous amount of work and time you have invested in preparing for Toronto 2020. I'm sorry this decision had to be made and it must have been a difficult and heart wrenching one to come to. But as you say - no limits! We will back on another track another day. Many thanks to you all and keep healthy and safe. Sincerely, Cindy O'Brien Hugh Thank you so much for all you put into this. Though there will be no to2020 it has transformed me as a person and an athlete. Brought me to the next level. Thank you thank you thank you Mike Her
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for the work that you put in over the last 5 years. Those of us who are so disappointed not to be able to participate, cannot begin to imagine how you gentlemen must feel, to first postpone and then completely cancel, what we know would have been an amazing international event. I had 100% confidence in the management team and volunteers based on my wonderful experience at the regional event in 2019. Please know that your time and talent was greatly appreciated. Julie Hayden
On behalf of myself and many dozens, if not hundreds, of Canadian masters athletes who intended to participate and were proud of the prospect of having such a great competition hosted in Canada, let me just say THANK YOU (about a hundred times). I can only imagine the countless volunteer hours that were invested in this ambitious venture. Ed Bickley
It is with certain confidence I speak for my friends-for-life masters track athletes that we realize how difficult it was to pass on a postponement event. I also believe fellow comrades appreciate your contribution from the past five years to deliver an outstanding experience. It goes without saying what a bummer for you, for all of us. I for one shall pray for the virus cloud to evaporate and thank my lucky stars that I am still able to just go for a run to remain physically and mentally healthy. May we all look forward to WMA Indoor Champs 2021 on the other side of your great country. Kevin 'KP' Paulk
I'm so sorry that all of the hard work and thought you and your team put into planning this event was all for naught. I'm certain you would have made us proud. Heck, you already have in the way you've handled this. I hope you and Toronto get a chance to shine in the future. Jason Robinson
Thank you for all your efforts. Such a sad end to, obviously, massive efforts on your behalf. I was looking forward to, I know would have been, a brilliant event in a beautiful city. I know my fellow athletes here in the UK and around the world will be deeply saddened that all your hard work has come to naught but it doesn't diminish our gratitude. Thank you and stay safe Canada. Dave Valentine (hammer thrower!)
Stats Just in Doug’s Case
TO2020 Email Folders – 39 (from ‘Accommodations’ to ‘York Lions Stadium’)
File Folders on Hard Drive – 29
Misc Files not in Folders – 572
Meetings – 134 (John and the Managers would have had way more meetings)