The Ontario Winter Games have come and gone but the impacts of the two weekends will last for some time.
That is the feeling of Ontario’s Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Neil Lumsden, who says the biggest impact will be on those who competed.
“Whether this is their ultimate goal or whether they want to move on and a community like Thunder Bay embraces it, does it so well, and really fulfills a lot of those, lets call them, in some of the ways they’re dreams.”
Economically Lumsden believes the financial impact of the games could be upwards of $15 million.
During the Games many of the athletes who made it to the podium were from both the city and region.
Which only further amplified the positive feeling of a successful event by Organizing Committee Chair Barry Streib.
“Its an emotional experience to be able to see that, witness it and see the joy on their faces when they do take a medal home.”
Strieb was unable to specifically point out an element of the games which stuck out for him but says considering the success, the likelihood of Thunder Bay hosting the Ontario Winter Games much sooner than the previous 50 year gap in the future.
Players face off in the gold medal hockey game during the final day of the 2024 Ontario Winter Games (Adam Riley / Acadia Broadcasting)
Games Coordinator Matthew Lawrence says while there were hiccups due to some of the events pulling out, but the Games were still well attended by both athletes and supporters.
“What was great about it, is you know we had 13 sports but we saw the community just rally behind those 13 sports, and you know I really think we could look forward to hosting more events in the future.”
One of the hiccups of note was the lack of snow in the area, however Lawrence notes many volunteers and groups came out to add snow to trails which needed snow cover for the events to proceed.
(Adam Riley / Acadia Broadcasting)
That level of commitment is what made Lumsden look at the Ontario Winter Games as a whole with awe, calling anyone who had a hand in bringing the games to life, second to none.
“They’re the ones that allow young people to fulfill what they want to do, whether they’re dreams or aspirations, doesn’t matter and without them communities are in real trouble.”
The games took place over the Family Day long weekend and this past weekend, and saw thousands attend various venues throughout the city, including Fort William Historical Park, where the opening ceremonies were held.
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- Fans watch and cheer on players during the gold medal hockey game for the 2024 Ontario Winter Games (Adam Riley / Acadia Broadcasting)
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- (Adam Riley / Acadia Broadcasting)
