NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF ORILLIA
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The City of Orillia and the Ontario Winter Games Organizing Committee have been preparing to host the Ontario Winter Games for over a year and now this major event is only weeks away.
With over 600 volunteers ready to help facilitate and become the heartbeat for the Games, the city and neighbouring communities will host over 3,000 participants in 25 different sports from Mar. 1 to 4.
“We are truly honoured to host the Games. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Orillia and the surrounding areas as we partner to host this provincial competition,” said Mayor Steve Clarke.
“On behalf of Council, I would like to thank the volunteers, the organizing committee, the generous sponsors and our staff, who have all dedicated their time and resources to planning what I’m sure will be a very unique, memorable and positive experience for the participants and their families attending the games. Our community has proven once again the dedication and passion that exists in Orillia and we are proud to showcase this for the entire province.”
With details being finalized, here is what members of the public should know about this exciting provincial competition taking over the City:
Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony for the Games will take place on Mar. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Couchiching Beach Park with Mayor Clarke welcoming the participants.
The Drumming Circle of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation will perform a traditional welcome song while a torch from their sacred fire is carried in to light the official Games cauldron. Entertainment will feature Bleeker, Orillia's own Juno-nominated band, and the precision drumline, Cadre.
Festivities will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display. This event will be smoke and vape free.
In order to facilitate the event, the following roads will be closed from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 1, 2018:
- Bay Street from Borland Street East to Jarvis Street
- Jarvis Street from Bay Street to Canice Street
- Canice Street from Jarvis Street to the Terry Fox Circle
- Access to Canice Street from Brant Street East
This will also result in a temporary Orillia Transit detour on the Laclie Route.
Cheering on the Athletes
Through local sponsorship, admission to all sporting events will be free and venues are located throughout the region, including Rotary Place, Barnfield Point Recreation Centre, Brian Orser Arena, Orillia Bowl, Orillia Secondary School, Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School and Twin Lakes Secondary School in Orillia. A full schedule is available here. Results will also be posted online.
Games Gear
Apparel celebrating the Games is available for purchase online by visiting this site. Orders before Feb. 22 will be available for pick up at the Opening Ceremony. All orders placed between Feb. 22 and March 3 will be available for pickup at the Games.
“The Games Organizing Committee is absolutely thrilled to welcome the entire province to Orillia,” said Michael Ladouceur, General Manager of the Orillia 2018 Ontario Winter Games. “Beginning with the Opening Ceremony on Mar. 1 and lasting throughout the entire weekend, we can’t wait to celebrate sport and all the accomplishments of the 3,000 participants coming to the Games.
Stay updated by following the Games on Facebook: @Orillia2018; Twitter: @Orillia 2018 and Instagram: @Orillia_2018OWG.
The City of Orillia will be partnering with Barrie, Oro-Medonte, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Huntsville and Simcoe County in order to deliver the Games, which will feature over 3,000 athletes between the ages of 12 and 18, competing in 25 sports over four days.
In addition, the City of Orillia will receive a $1 million hosting grant from the Province of Ontario. Within the $1 million hosting grant, is a $100,000 legacy fund. This funding will help Orillia deliver the Games on budget, while leaving a lasting legacy within the community for years to come.
The City of Orillia has also been selected to host the Ontario Winter Games in 2020.
The City of Orillia is a city of 31,000 people in the heart of Ontario’s Lake Country on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe. Visit our website here.
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