Louroz Mercader

By Iain Colpitts of The Mississauga News. Published April 24, 2012.

Louroz Mercader, president of the Mississauga Youth Games, wants to see the City of Mississauga host the 2014 Ontario Summer Games.

Louroz with Mississauga Mayor McCallion at Mississauga Youth Games 2011

To turn that dream into a reality, he’s trying to gather as much support as possible before he takes his proposal to City Council. He has invited residents and representatives from various sporting groups in the community to an information session on the Games on Saturday morning. The event will be held between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Mississauga Community Door at 50 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W.

Mercader is currently involved with the hosting committee for the 2012 Summer Games in Toronto and the surrounding area from Aug. 16-19. Over 20 sports are involved and none will take place in Mississauga.

“I think Mississauga has great sport facilities and it would be great to showcase that across the province,” Mercader said.

“In terms of the business case for the Ontario Summer Games is that the economic impact of having 2,500 athletes and their families as well as all the tourists that would come and fill our hotels and restaurants would be very significant.”

The Ontario Summer Games, hosted every two years, began in 1970 as a showcase for youth amateur sport. They have now become the province’s largest multi-sport event, including both team and individual sports.

Mercader believes hosting the 2014 Games would be a good buildup to the 2015 Pan American Games, which are set to take place across the Golden Horseshoe.

Mississauga is currently slated to host judo, tae kwon do, karate and wrestling events.

Municipalities interested in hosting the 2014 Summer Games must submit a proposal to the Sport Alliance of Ontario by May 9. That package must include proposed sites for events, athlete housing and opening ceremonies as well as a transportation plan and proposed budget for the Games.

Mercader stated that budgets for the 2012 Games and the 2010 Games in Sudbury have ranged between $1.2 and $1.5 million. The Sport Alliance of Ontario will provide the host city with a $600,000 grant and Mercader hopes to make up the rest of the money through ticket sales, in-kind services and corporate sponsorship.

December 23, 2011

Mississauga, Canada

Christmas is a joyous time of year and I am happy to extend best wishes to family, friends and colleagues everywhere during this special season.

This year Christmas comes as the global economy, much as our own, continues a slow recovery from the most severe economic downturn in recent memory. Still I continue to be inspired by the generosity of Canadians who notwithstanding continue to make Christmas a season marked by a spirit of generosity and of sharing.

This generosity of spirit has been most recently demonstrated by the awe-inspiring response to my call for increased donations towards the United Way of Peel Region. At the moment we are still short of our campaign goal of $13.93-million which is needed to ensure youth, older adults and new immigrants thrive in our city. It is not too late to donate online today.

In closing I leave with you a selection of Christmas gift suggestions complied by Oren Arnold:

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

My family joins me in wishing you a Merry Christmas, as

well as a peaceful and healthy New Year.

LOUROZ MERCADER

Change happens through ideas and actions. if you want to collaborate to make our city region better, join more than 180 civic leaders for a day of inspiration and action.

City-bulder Louroz Mercader will be speaking at the Emerging Leaders Network conference, “ELNstudio” on December 1, 2011.

Attendees of the ELNstudio will have the opportunity to:

• Hear leadership insights from passionate and talented city-builders, including a keynote address from Dave Meslin, a Toronto-based artist, consultant, trainer and organizer.
• Work together with a diverse group of leaders from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to address critical issues facing the Toronto region.
• Have an opportunity to pitch collaboratively generated ideas to a panel of experienced civic leaders, moderated by Royson James of The Toronto Star

Join Louroz on December 1 by registering online here.

On November 8, 2011 Louroz Mercader was a guest on CBC’s Radio One, speaking on the Diversity in Local Government segment about the importance of diversity in leadership in the GTA.

The GTA may be proud of its diversity, with 40-percent of Toronto residents not born in Canada, but the composition of local governments doesn’t mirror the population. CBC Radio spoke with Louroz Mercader, a former candidate in Mississauga’s civic election.

Listen to Audio (runs 5:41)

MISSISSAUGA – May 4, 2011 – Young athletes, parents, coaches, volunteers and supporters gathered for the Mississauga Youth Games (MY Games) annual general meeting at West 50 in the City Centre tonight.

A larger 12-member strong and diverse Board of Directors was elected to lead the planning for the 6^th annual MY Games to be held on the weekend of October 1 – 2, 2011.

“It’s a great honour to welcome a new MY Games Board of Directors,” said Louroz Mercader, President of MY Games. “I’m looking forward to working with the new Board members, and MY Games volunteers and staff, as we unite to deliver interactive, creative and accessible programs to young people across the City of Mississauga.  

The following individuals were elected to the Board for a two-year term until 2013:

Rita Iafrate, Cooper Industries                                                          

Franz Timothy Loterinia, Aritzia

Lynn Pipe, Rapport Youth and Family Services

Anastasia Tolias, Royal LePage

Individuals were elected to the Board for a one-year term until 2012:

Jackwayne Ramirez Balancio, Nutrilawn

Romesh Hettiarachchi, H.D. Law

Khurum Khawaja, Consultant

Linden King, Bell Canada                              

Andrew Kooren, Fallsview Niagara

Matthew Malaga, Ernst & Young

Gerald Douglas Russell, Compass

Christine Simundson, RZCD Law Firm LLP   

About MY Games

MY Games offers a variety of free, fit, and fun activities for youth, along with meaningful volunteer and leadership opportunities for young people. Now entering its 6^th year, MY Games seeks to create an inspirational and motivational setting through arts and sports.

For more information, Please contact Louroz Mercader, President of the MY Games at 647.230.9722 or louroz@mississaugayouthgames.com.

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MISSISSAUGA – May 4, 2011 – The MY Games Organizing Committee will be holding its 2011 Annual General Meeting to celebrate the 5^th year of success. It will be followed by a coach and volunteer reception.

MY Games Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Coach and Volunteer Reception

Wednesday, May 4^th, 2011

7:00pm – 9:00pm

West 50 located on 50 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga

The 2010 Official Annual Report outlining the achievements of the MY Games will be reviled to members and a new 2011 Board of Directors will be elected.  

MY Games will also be formally launching the new MY Games Council of Champions. For $20.11 the public can become a member of the Council and directly support the future operations of the MY Games.

About MY Games

MY Games offers a variety of free, fit, and fun activities for youth, along with exciting volunteer and leadership opportunities for teens and young adults. Now entering its 6^th year, MY Games seeks to create an inspirational and motivational setting. Learn how the MY Games Organizing Committee assures your community and kids enjoy fun, fit and free programming.

For more information, please contact Louroz Mercader, President of the MY Games at 647.230.9722 or louroz@mississaugayouthgames.com

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My fellow Canadians:

Monday, May 2, 2011 is ELECTION DAY.

I love Canada – it has got to be the greatest county in the world!

In order to maintain our shared values and to advance our great democracy forward, every single eligible Canadian needs to cast a vote today.

Voting is one of the most important rights and duty you have as a Canadian citizen.

To find where to vote visit by postal code visit Elections Canada: http://www.elections.ca/scripts/pss/FindED.aspx?L=e

Take Part. Take Power. VOTE.

LOUROZ MERCADER

How can we build better connections between youth and our democratic institutions?

Local Democracy Week 2010. Students seated in the Legislative Chamber.

Local Democracy Week (LDW) was launched in November 2009 as a project of DiverseCity Fellows.  Adapted from the UK model, Toronto’s LDW was designed to instill in youth a better understanding of the opportunities that exist for them to participate in local decision-making. Through interactive sessions with politicians, remarks from guest speakers, and building tours, students gain insights into the democratic institutions that shape their communities.

“I’m a firm believer that whether as leaders in politics, business or local causes it is our youth who will shape the future of our communities. We need to do everything that we can to encourage them to bring about change through positive means.” – Steve Peters, Speaker of the Ontario Legislative Assembly

Featured program events have included remarks from former Toronto Mayor David Miller, Marc & Craig Kielburger from Free the Children, an interactive “Ask an MPP/Councillor” video booth with TV Ontario, Political Speed Dating with Toronto area MPPs and City of Toronto Councillors, a session on petition writing with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, and a session with the Chief Electoral Officer on voter turn out.

Local Democracy Week 2010. Students meet with MPP Michael Prue for political speed dating.

LDW is made possible through the generous contributions and support of the Legislative Assembly, Free the Children, and the Institute for Youth Citizenship and Engagement.

“We heard inspiring stories that touched all of us and hit a soft spot. This was a great experience in order to learn a little more about democracy.”
– Channing Junor, LDW Youth Participant

Local Democracy Week 2010. Students and teachers with MPPs & Councillors following political speed dating

Originally posted on the DiverCity Toronto Blog at this link.

On behalf of the Mercader Family, I would like to send my congratulations to the Royal couple, Prince William and Catherine, on their forthcoming marriage.

I am delighted that this young couple have found happiness together and I hope that the wedding will be a great success.
I wish them success, prosperity and hope that they are able to fulfil all their dreams and ambitions.

From June 30 to July 8, 2011, the newlyweds will undertake a Royal Tour of Canada, their first visit outside the United Kingdom as a married couple. They will visit Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and the National Capital Region. I look forward to meeting the happy couple soon.

God Save the Queen

Louroz Mercader was honoured to be nominated for the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant in 2011.

You can support Louroz through voting, which takes place online at www.canadianimmigrant.ca/top25.

Born in Manila, Philippines and raised in Cooksville, Mississauga, Louroz Mercader is a veteran community activist and outspoken youth advocate.
As President of the Mississauga Youth Games, Louroz is a passionate city builder who can bridge the worlds of business, community and government together. He has always had a vision for Canada with a strong, shared sense of social justice, a belief in inclusion, and a real commitment to diversity. Mercader believes building upon our cultural diversity, our greatest strength would not just be our ability to respect diversity, but to fully embrace and celebrate it. Louroz believes that one day our boardrooms, committee rooms and halls of power will fully reflect the faces of the people they represent and serve. In 2010, he ran in the Mississauga Municipal Election for City Councillor, and was placed second with 34 percent of the vote against a long-time incumbent.

Mercader is a city-builder who presently serves as a director on the boards of the United Way of Peel Region, the Young Leaders Council, Safe City Mississauga, and GO Transit Customer Service Advisory Committee.

Take a moment to cast your vote for Louroz, and also forward this message to all your friends in Canada and overseas to encourage his winning of the top 25 Canadian Immigrant award for the year of 2011!

Click www.canadianimmigrant.ca/top25, search for Louroz Mercader’s photo by clicking “M”, nominate Louroz Mercader by typing in your e-mail address and cast your vote!.

Voting ends April 18, 2011 @ 12:00pm EST