Ontario Government Boosts 2008
Ontario Winter Games Funding
Upgrades to the Collingwood Curling Club will welcome participants to the 2008 Ontario Winter Games in March 2007.
$593,000 Provincial Hosting Grant Provided
The Provincial Government has provided the Ontario Winter Games with an additional $593,000.00 in the form of a Hosting Grant. "The McGuinty government is committed to supporting amateur sport which influences the quality of life of all Ontarians in a positive way" said margarett Best, Ontario Minister of Health Promotion. "The 2008 Games will be a top-notch competition, showcasing athletes who inspire all Ontarians to participate in sport and be physically active" Best added.
The Town of Collingwood and surrounding communities will host the Ontario Winter Games from March 6th to 9th, 2008. More than 3,000 athlete, coaches and officials will participate in the Games, supported by more than 800 volunteers. Host funding is provided through the Ontario Games Program in partnership with the Sport Alliance of Ontario.
The Ministry of Health Promotion was established in June 2005 to improve and deliver programs that contribute to healthy living and wellnewss in this province. Key priorities include Ontario's amoke-free strategy, healthy eating, active living, sport and recreation, injury preventionand mental health promotion.
“We are well organized and on our way to a great event” announced Ontario" Winter Games Organizing Committee Chair Peter Dunbar.
Press Release
23 sporting events, 3,500 participants, 800 plus volunteers and thousands of spectators coming to celebrate Ontario’s youth in sport!
TOWN OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS — December 3rd 2008— Today the Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee held a games kick-off media event at the Westin Trillium House Blue Mountain. “We are well organized and on our way to a great event” announced Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee Chair Peter Dunbar. “The excitement and co-operation from the ‘partnership of communities’ which includes Collingwood, Canadian Forces Base Borden, Clearview Township, Owen Sound, Town Of Blue Mountains, Wasaga Beach and The Village at Blue Mountain has been tremendous”.
It was announced that this year the 2008 Ontario Winter Games will include 23 sporting events, 3,500 participants, 800 plus volunteers and thousands of spectators. The goal of the Ontario Winter games is to encourage young people in Ontario to live healthy, active lives through the development of positive role models, the pursuit of excellence, the building of life values such as teamwork and the strengthening of our communities – all through sport.
“The Ontario government is proud to support these Games as part of our commitment to developing amateur athletes who inspire us all to lead active, healthy lives,” said Minister Margarett Best. “These Games bring a variety of benefits to the region and I am confident the Town of Collingwood, the surrounding communities and the hundreds of volunteers will host an outstanding event.”
Notable guests in attendance to show their support of the event included Mayor Chris Carrier (Collingwood), Mayor Ken Ferguson (Clearview Township), Mayor Ellen Anderson (Town of Blue Mountains) and Brian Ozorio (Ministry of Health Promotion).
The 2008 Ontario Winter Games are proudly supported by the Sport Alliance of Ontario and Ministry of Health Promotion.
For more information visit www.owg2008.ca or contact:
Jill Miller
OWG 2008 General Manager
(705)446-1393
owg@collingwood.ca
Ski competitions during the Ontario Winter Games 2008 will once again be held at private clubs throughout the region
-- Ontario Winter Games photos by Paul Richards
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. Related Story