Brandon 1997

In 1997, Manitoba welcomed Canada to Brandon, the host city for the 16th iteration of the Canada Games. Over the course of 15 days, the city rallied together behind volunteers and soldiers to clean up Games sites after a devastating storm. The selfless work to get the Games ready and the addition of Steve Nash as Honorary Chair ensured that the 1997 Canada Games were a tremendous success.

There were 3,366 athletes and 648 coaches/managers that competed in 19 sports. Team Newfoundland took home the Centennial Cup, given out to the most improved province. Team Ontario won the Canada Games Flag, and Team New Brunswick won the Jack Pelech award.

The infrastructure, economic and community impacts continue to live on to this day. Communities in Brandon, Minnedosa and Ninette (Pelican Lake) greatly benefitted from the capital budget and sports equipment budget of approximately $6.5 million. Additionally, the Games injected and estimated $35 million into the Brandon economy.