The countdown is on to the Orillia 2024 Ontario 55+ Winter Games as local officials and games organizers gathered at Rotary Place Monday 100 days in advance of the upcoming event.
With 1,000 participants spread across nine sporting events, the games are set for Feb. 6-8, 2024, marking the third time Orillia has been chosen as host community for the Ontario Winter Games in recent years.
“Hosting an event of this stature will add to the local economy, strengthen community spirit, and help us invest in the important local sporting infrastructure for the future,” said Jenna French, chair of the Games’ organizing committee.
“We're tapping into the experience, along with the continued support of Orillia, the ministry, the province, and local businesses aiming to deliver an unforgettable sporting and hospitality experience for the visiting athletes.”
The Ontario 55+ Winter Games is supported through the provincial government’s Games Ontario program, which brings a variety of multi-sport events to communities around the province, as well as through partnerships with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, and the Ontario Senior Games Association.
“As the MPP for Simcoe North, I'm especially proud to congratulate the City of Orillia on hosting this event. Your tireless efforts in partnership with the games organizing committee have enabled our community to have an opportunity to showcase to the rest of the province all that we have to offer here at home,” said Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop.
“The games celebrate Ontario athletes that have committed themselves to lifelong active living, while generating significant economic benefits for host communities. Our government is proud to support the Ontario 55+ Winter Games through the Games Ontario program," Dunlop said.
Mayor Don McIsaac estimated the games will bring $1.5 million to the local economy, and said they would not be possible without the efforts of countless volunteers.
“Hosting the 2018 and 2020 Youth Games showcased the world-class level of facilities, of volunteers and event management skills in our communities, and we're grateful for this opportunity as well,” the mayor said.
“The immediate injection in the economy is significant. It will bring at least $1.5 million into the community. We're very grateful for that," said McIsaac. “This would not be possible without the volunteers … and we're grateful for those volunteers.”
Games organizers said around 100 volunteers have signed up to help throughout the games, and they encouraged other community members to join in.
“Already, the amount of volunteers who've stepped forward is pretty amazing and inspiring as we fill out some of those last spots (and) see the games come together,” said Will LaFrance, general manager of the organizing committee. “Orillia has a strong history of volunteers. In the 2018 and 2020 games they really made the games what they were and such a success.”
Daisy Wai, parliamentary assistant to the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, spoke to the importance of the games in promoting lifelong physical activity.
"The Winter Games are so important in ensuring that all (people) are able to stay fit, healthy and socially connected, and this is – in the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility – this is something that we stress on,” Wai said. “Having sports when you're aged 55+, or younger, is just as good. This will just keep you healthy, and that is the best way to spend your senior years.”
Anyone interested in learning more, or getting involved with the games can read more here.
