Article content

By Daniel Goffenberg, Centennial College

Volunteers at the Ontario Place West Channel, where the men’s 10-kilometre open-water swim was being held Sunday, were treated to an appearance from Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or 'Pinball' Clemons thinks Pan Am Games have lived up to 'Pan-Amazing' tag Back to video

The former Toronto Argonauts player and coach was in attendance to thank the volunteers for all their efforts.

“It is the largest peacetime assembly of volunteers in the history of our nation,” said Clemons, between taking photos and shaking hands with all those who approached him. “With that, we want to just let them know how important they are, how we appreciate them, how grateful we are for them.

“That’s really the reason I’m out here today.”

Clemons has been one of Toronto’s most popular citizens for years, long before he legally was one (he was officially naturalized in April this year). He played a part in the opening ceremonies and is taking in some of the events.

“The Games have been fantastic, it has been an unbelievable experience,” he said. “We always talk about, when the Games actually come, (that) you won’t believe it, there’s just going to be more of everything that you think.