WINNIPEG (July 28, 2016) – In 365 days, the largest multi-sport and cultural event in the nation will begin in Winnipeg. From July 28 until August 13, 2017, the 2017 Canada Summer Games will welcome over 4,000 athletes and coaches and over 20,000 visitors to Winnipeg, Gimli MB, and Kenora ON.

“What an exciting time for our city! The staff and leadership volunteers are working so hard to deliver exceptional athlete experience, engage leaders and mentor those who are coming up in this world, celebrate 50 years of amateur sport, and showcase Manitoba to the nation in 2017. It’s exciting and we can’t believe it’s only one year away,” said Mariette Mulaire, Co-Chair of the 2017 Canada Summer Games Host Society.

Today the 2017 Canada Summer Games celebrated the Countdown to the Games: One Year To Go presented by Payworks with a free concert and sport demonstrations at The Forks Market Plaza. The milestone celebration featured live performances by JP Hoe, Leonard Sumner, Kelly Bado, Dirty Catfish Brass Band and DJ Mama Cutsworth, 14 of the 16 Canada Summer Games sports hosted games onsite, and Niibin, the Games’ mascot, made several appearances.

“The 2017 Canada Summer Games Host Society has put forth immense effort and preparation thus far into ensuring that these Games go down in history as an iconic Canadian sporting event,” said Tom Quinn, Canada Games Council Chairman. “In just 365 days, Canada’s top young athletes will converge in beautiful Winnipeg for a magical two weeks of competition, and we can’t wait to witness it all!”

Representatives from the federal, provincial and municipal governments gathered together with leaders in the sport, business, and indigenous communities to count down and unveiled the Games’ countdown clock.

“In 2017, sport and recreation will play an important part in the festivities for the 150th  anniversary of Confederation—and the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg will have a prominent place in our country’s celebration. Canada’s athletes are fantastic role models, especially for our young people, and they show the dedication and passion it takes to reach one’s personal goals. On behalf of all Canadians, I offer best wishes to the Winnipeg 2017 Canada Summer Games Host Society and all of the athletes across the country for great Games one year from now,” said the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.

Dan Vandal, Member of Parliament (Saint Boniface – Saint Vital) noted, “The 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg will be a great opportunity to showcase our city, our region and our province to this country’s top young athletes and their supporters. I commend everyone involved in organizing the Winnipeg 2017 Canada Summer Games, and I wish the organizers and athletes well in their preparations over the next year.”

“Manitobans are excited about the opportunity to both showcase our province to the rest of the country and cheer on our athletes,” said Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires. “We look forward to an exciting games and the chance to remind the country why we are known as friendly Manitoba.”

"The summer of 2017 is just around the corner and we can hardly wait to show the nation what Winnipeg has to offer," said Mayor Brian Bowman. "Canada already knows how passionate our sports fans are and that passion will be on full display for all the athletes descending on Winnipeg for the 2017 Canada Summer Games!"

Jeff Hnatiuk, President and CEO of the 2017 Canada Summer Games Host Society welcomed Official Supporters Frank Digital, New Flyer and Motor Coach Industries, Oxygen Technical Services, and Quintex to the Games team.

“We are fortunate to have tremendous support from all levels of government as the foundation for these Games,” said Hnatiuk. “Building on that foundation will require the support of our official co-hosts, over 6,000 volunteers, and our sponsors, partners and community supporters. Partnerships with these key groups are central to the success of our Games.”

About the 2017 Canada Summer Games:
Winnipeg, Manitoba will host the Canada Summer Games July 28 – August 13, 2017. Featuring 16 sports, over 250 events and a major cultural festival, the 2017 Canada Games will welcome over 4,000 athletes and coaches and more than 20,000 visitors. Celebrating the Games’ 50th anniversary and Canada’s 150th birthday, the Canada Games are this country’s largest multi-sport event for young athletes. They will leave a lasting legacy of new and enhanced sport facilities, volunteer and leadership development that will benefit athletes and the broader community for years to come. canadagames.ca/2017

For more information, or to arrange interviews/media availability, please contact:

Sarah Tone
Communications Coordinator, 2017 Canada Summer Games
Office: 204.594.4242
Mobile:  204.290.7630
stone@2017canadagames.ca