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Parapan Am Games 2015: 18 Fast (And Cool) Facts

This is the biggest Parapan Am Games ever held.

The Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games opened at Toronto's York University Friday night.

The ceremony kicked off what is sure to be a thrilling competition that will see para-athletes go compete in sports such as wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball and powerlifting.

The Canadian delegation consists of 216 athletes. Overall, the national team is going for a top-three spot in the medal standings. Canada finished eighth at the 2011 Parapan Am Games in Mexico.

"For me, it's always a motivating factor that the old guy can still perform, and keep the young wolves at bay," he told The Globe and Mail.

They include wheelchair basketball, para-swimming, seven-a-side football, table tennis and judo.

B.C. Social Development Minister Michelle Stilwell will make her Parapan Am Games debut, competing in 100- and 800-metre wheelchair racing events.

Swimmer Benoit Huot has won 19 medals at four different Paralympic Games. This could be one of his last Games.

The Panamania festival will see free concerts in Toronto by artists including Chromeo (Aug. 7), The Roots (Aug. 8), Tanya Tagaq (Aug. 8), Janelle Monae (Aug. 9), Jann Arden (Aug. 11), A Tribe Called Red (Aug. 12.) and more.

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Closing Ceremony Stage

Pan Am Games 2015 Closing Ceremony Photos

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