Planning for the 2019 Canada Winter Games continues.
On Monday, officials gave an update to City council on where things are at in preparation for the event, which is set to take place in Red Deer in February 2019.
Council heard that funding party financial contributions are on track for both capital and operating funds. About 25% of local sponsorship targets have been achieved with about $5.2 million left to be raised.
As well, 24% of federal funds and 95% of provincial funding has been received as well.
A federal funding announcement is expected to take place in April or May.
There are also currently 18 people hired for the Games, with more hiring to take place in the coming months.
“We’ve added quite a few people here in the last month or so,” said Scott Robinson, 2019 Games chief executive officer. “We’re at the completion of our manager level – we have our directors and the managers. Our staff plan is on track and on budget in terms of the resources we have planned. It’s quite a process, as you can imagine, to get on board so many people in such a short amount of time, with a small organization.”
There are also about 100 volunteers actively involved in the Games, with that number expected to ramp up to about 300 by the fall.
Upcoming events include the mascot design roll-out which will take place this spring and a 500 days out celebration will take place on Oct. 3rd.
Earlier this month, officials with the 2019 Canada Winter Games unveiled their brand, web site and announced new sponsors during a press conference at the Welikoklad Centre.
The 2019 Games brand kick-off featured a ‘brand story’ video, a launch of the canadagames.ca/2019 web site and revealed the tag line of ‘The is our Moment’.
Ultimately, when the Canada Winter Games takes place in Red Deer in February 2019 the City will see about 3,600 athletes compete, along with 1,800 coaches over the two-week event.
Robinson said in total there will be about 25,000 to 30,000 people who attend the Games in some capacity.
The opportunity to host these Games comes to the province every 20 years – the last time Alberta had the opportunity was in 1995 when Grande Prairie was selected.
In 1975, the honours went to Lethbridge. It’s also anticipated the region will see an economic impact from the Games of between $100 million and $125 million.
For more information, visit 2019canadagames.ca.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
