Let the games begin… in two years
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 28/07/2021 (1551 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
While the world watches the Summer Olympics, Winnipeg is preparing for a major competition of its own.
Wednesday marked the official two-year countdown to the start of the 2023 World Police and Fire Games, which is to be held in Winnipeg for the first time in its 38-year history.
Mike Edwards, chief operating officer for the 2023 games, emphasized the importance of this opportunity to honour the city’s first responders, especially after the gruelling work of the pandemic.
“These athletes dedicate their lives to protecting the community,” he said, “and now, we get the opportunity to show our appreciation and gratitude for their dedication, selflessness, and commitment to public safety.”
Chad Swayze, a city firefighter who is chairman of the games, said it will be the largest event held in Manitoba.
The Winnipeg Police and Fire games is the second-largest world competition, behind the Summer Olympics, in terms of the number of athletes, he said.
Close to 9,000 athletes from more than 70 countries will compete in 60 sporting events.
Every Olympics cycle, the House of Commons welcomes Canadian athletes, but with this competition, there’s a difference, said Winnipeg Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux.
“These athletes are already heroes,” he said.
“They’re members of our police force, our fire departments, correctional institutions, border services, these people really matter.”
Not only will the games welcome first responders from all over the world, but it will also bring their friends and families, and encourage spectators from all over the world to congregate in Winnipeg for 10 days.
Swayze estimates 10,000 spectators will come to Winnipeg.
Sport Minister Cathy Cox said the tourists and competitors will take in our restaurants, hotels, and arts and cultural scene.
“These games will be a real economic success for Manitoba and the hospitality industry, and an opportunity to really put Manitoba and Winnipeg on the map once again,” she said.
gillian.brown@freepress.mb.ca