In 100 days, thousands of young athletes will descend on the region for the Orillia 2020 Ontario Winter Games.
A crowd gathered Tuesday at the Orillia Waterfront Centre, which will serve as the headquarters for the games, to start the countdown.
“It’s really hard to believe that we’re standing here together at the 100 Days Out event,” said Jed Levene, chair of the games organizing committee.
The games, he said, “give us a chance to show off what I believe is one of the best-kept secrets in the province.”
It’s no secret to Domenick Ritchie.
The 16-year-old athlete proudly represented Orillia when the city hosted the 2018 games, winning a silver in wrestling.
“I got to show off the beautiful City of Orillia,” he said. “Orillia is my home and it’s an amazing place to grow up.”
One of his favourite memories from 2018 was competing in a tournament at Twin Lakes Secondary School, which he attends.
Another experience that has stuck with him is his interaction with the games’ volunteers.
“The volunteers made it possible for me to focus on my wrestling,” he said.
So far, more than 400 people have registered to volunteer, but that won’t be enough. About 750 are needed.
It’s a worthwhile investment, Levene said, noting the games generate about $5 million for the economy, $4 million of which goes directly to this area.
The 2020 games will be the largest yet, with 3,500 athletes competing in 27 sports from Feb. 27 to March 1. Events will take place in Orillia and surrounding municipalities.
There are hundreds of volunteers working behind the scenes to make the event possible, serving on 16 committees. Levene said his “legacy” as chair of the organizing committee is finding 16 people to chair the individual committees.
“These 16 chairs are the ones who shape the games, and they’re absolute champions,” he said.
Levene also thanked Hydro One for coming on board as presenting sponsor.
To learn more about the games, including volunteer opportunities, visit orillia2020.ca.
