"Spirit Of Achievement"
Ontario Winter Games
Returning In March 2008
Collingwood And Regional Partners
Prepare To Host 2008 Ontario Winter Games
"Spirit of Achievement" is the slogan for the 2008 Ontario Winter Games, returning to the region in March, 2008. These games are the province’s premier youth multi-sport event and a training ground for future Canada Games participants and Olympians. Collingwood has hosted these games twice before and celebrates the joint honour of hosting both the Ontario Winter Games and the Ontario Paralympic Winter Championships in 2008.
“The Ontario government is proud to support these Games as part of our commitment to developing high-performance athletes and encouraging physical activity among Ontarians,” said Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson. “The previous Winter Games held in Collingwood was a tremendous success and I am confident that the city and volunteers will once again stage a top class event.”
The Ontario Winter Games have been held across the province since 1970, providing sports competition for youth between the ages of 11 and 22. The 2008 Ontario Winter Games will involve approximately 3500 participants (athletes, coaches, and officials) from across the province. Collingwood and partners will provide venues for men’s and ladies hockey, alpine skiing, badminton, fencing, weightlifting, judo, squash, biathlon, boxing, curling, freestyle skiing, ringette, x-country skiing, speed skating, shooting, diving, figure skating, 5 pin bowling, gymnastics, swimming, synchronized swimming, table tennis, water polo, and wrestling.
"Collingwood Has Become A Specialist In Event Organizing"
-- Mayor Chris Carrier
"As Mayor of the Town of Collingwood I am extremely pleased to learn Collingwood has been selected to orchestrate the 2008 Ontario Winter Games” says Mayor Chris Carrier. “Collingwood has become a specialist in event organizing and we are delighted to demonstrate once again why we have the ‘will to be the best’. On behalf of Council and the people of Collingwood, we are privileged to be part of this wonderful event.”
Collingwood is famous for its natural beauty and dynamic ability to host world class events. Collingwood and regional partners celebrate their abilities to create an environment of positive athlete opportunities and rejoice in the pursuit of sharing our communities with athletes, parents, officials, and those who just love to watch the future of Canada’s athletes.
Speed Skating at the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena in Collingwood and Alpine Skiing at area resorts were popular spectator events the last time Collingwood hosted the Ontario Winter Games.
The Village at Blue will once again be a gathering place for thousands of athletes and spectators of The Ontario Winter Games. Village photo courtesy www.owg2008.ca. Be sure to visit the site for updates and breaking news regarding the Ontario Winter Games.
The Village at Blue will once again host the athletes for various functions including the Opening Ceremonies March 6, 2008. Canadian recording artist Jeremy Fisher will perform at the Opening Ceremonies. Blue Mountain Marketing Manager Patti Kendall, says the buzz has already started on Face Book and various fan sites that Jeremy Fisher will be performing. "The Village at Blue is proud to be the hosts of this exciting event" Kendall said. Along with the musical performance, the event will also include representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion, Sport Alliance of Ontario and the partner communities that are presenting the 2008 Ontario Winter Games.