The Canada Winter Games in Prince George are taking place until March 1. With the games being just up the road it is a great opportunity to see the best of our country’s athletes and inspire ourselves, our families and our children to work towards our goals and dreams. I could not be more excited for our province to be hosting the more than 2,400 young athletes.
This is the first time B.C. has hosted the Canada Winter Games. In the first week, athletes in alpine skiing, biathlon, men’s curling, freestyle skiing, women’s hockey, ringette, long-track speed skating, target shooting and wheelchair basketball will compete.
In the following week, athletes will compete in sports such as cross-country skiing, women’s curling, figure skating, trampoline, men’s hockey, snowboarding, synchronized swimming and table tennis.
Additionally, the Northern Sport Centre will be a sporting venue for archery, judo, squash, gymnastics and badminton, and the closing ceremonies will take place at UNBC’s agora courtyard on March 1. UNBC is also providing Canada Winter Games participants with a financial incentive to return to Prince George for university, in the form of a special tuition credit program that will give all qualified participants $2,500 over two semesters. Shows, music, cultural activities, presentations and displays which highlight tourism and economic development opportunities within the region will also happen. The communities that will be featured include the Cariboo Regional District from Feb. 14-16, Williams Lake from Feb. 17-19, 100 Mile House from Feb. 20-22, Quesnel from Feb. 23-25, and Wells from Feb. 26-28.
There will be an autograph session with HGTV’s Timber Kings as well as roping demonstrations, beef sampling, wood working demonstrations, hoop dancers, and other special guests. If you haven’t already purchased tickets to one or more of the many events, visit Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.ca or charge by phone at 1-855-985-5000. Enjoy the Games and the opportunity to welcome athletes, their families, and spectators to the north.
Coralee Oakes is the MLA for Cariboo North and is the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.