Two local celebrities will have an important role in the bid for the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
Ron MacLean and his wife Cari MacLean have been named as honourary chair members for the Red Deer Bid Committee.
The pair spent their teenage years in Red Deer and have been a couple since 1978.
“We’re extremely thrilled to help in the bid. Red Deer is obviously ready,” said Ron. “Red Deer deserves it and the athletes deserve to come to Red Deer.”
Cari added they feel honoured to have been chosen.
“Red Deer will always have a special place in our hearts, and we are honoured to stand behind you, and support you to secure the 2019 Canada Winter Games,” said Cari MacLean. “We know Red Deer is ready to host these Games, and we hope that we can help you reach that goal.”
Ron added he believes Red Deer has an excellent chance at securing the bid.
“We’re second to none. Everything that has ever come through Red Deer has been done with everyone getting behind it. It’s a great time for Red Deer to step onto that stage,” he said.
The MacLean’s were chosen not only because of their passion for sport, but for their passion for the Red Deer community as well.
“We are proud and honored to have Ron and Cari behind us on this quest to get the games,” said Lyn Radford, chair of the Red Deer 2019 Canada Winter Games Bid Committee. “They are an active, community-minded, supportive and eager couple to have stand with us, and we are so grateful for their support.”
Residents are reminded to mark their calendars for the Red Deer is Ready Rally on Aug. 22nd which will take place in downtown Red Deer.
The event will feature music, arts, culture, sports, food and a lot of bouncy castles. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants are asked to wear red during the event.
“We need to pull out all stops and showcase Red Deer. We need everyone of all ages and all stages to come down and wear red and to show that we have the capacity in our community to not just pull off a successful Games but to pull off a remarkable Games and one of the best they have ever seen,” said Mayor Tara Veer.
Residents are encouraged to check www.reddeer.ca/reddeerisready or following facebook at facebook.com/reddeerisready and Twitter @reddeer2019 for more details as the event nears.
Red Deer is in the running with Lethbridge in the final two communities who are vying for the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
The successful host community will be announced in September.
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
