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In 4 years, Toronto will be host to thousands of Latin-American athletes and fans
as part of the 2015 Pan American Games.
Latin food, music, culture, and sports - particularly baseball - will be the talk of the town.
Well today I had the chance to catch up to one of Toronto's proudest Latin-Americans,
Toronto Blue Jays slugger, José Bautista.
Major League Baseball's Home Run King, José Bautista, hails from the Dominican Republic.
A small, caribbean nation that has played a big role in Pan American competitions.
In 2003, the Pan American Games were held in Santo Domingo, the nation's capital.
Dominican athletes rose to the occasion capturing 10 gold medals
and more than doubling their medal total from any other Games.
Well we know, we mentioned the Pan Am Games that were held in 2003 in your hometown, Santo Domingo.
When they come here to Toronto in 2015, what do you think it'll mean to the Dominicans
that are living here in Toronto to be able to go out and cheer on their fellow countrymen?
It's gonna be great. Toronto's a great city and its gonna be a great host of the Games
and a lot of young people here, and its a very diverse city, and one of the best cities in the northeast.
I'm sure they're gonna have a good time here.
Ok last question for you, when I think of the Dominican Republic
I think of great food, great music and great salsa dancing. Have you been able to find
experiences here in Toronto to bring a bit of that Dominican culture to you here?
Oh yeah, theres definitely a big Dominican population here in Toronto,
and I've gotten to meet a couple folks, and I've been in touch with the Dominican little league association here,
and they brought us some food, and asked us to do a couple get-togethers where we get a hold of our culture,
and its a great atmosphere with the music and the food and we have a great time.
What about Salsa dancing?
We're more into the meringue though, so its more meringue, and our beaches are obviously very famous.
Those are the biggest traits of our country - the weather and it's a great place
to go if you get a chance to visit I think you should.
Well I think we'll make you our tour guide though, here in 2015 when the Pan Am Games are here.
José thanks so much for your time
Sure no problem.
Hello this is José Bautista with the Toronto Blue Jays
and hopefully you can join us in 2015 for the Pan Am Games.