In just 11 months, the Town of Niverville will officially host the 2022 Manitoba Winter Games, and in that time a lot of work will be done to get ready for the town’s week in the spotlight. The Games will open on February 27, and run for one week until March 5.
The Niverville Host Society, under the direction of more than 70 lead volunteers, is in the process of developing operational plans for every aspect of the Games, including food services, transportation, signage, technology, and venues.
Hosting the Games requires a great deal of coordination. There exist about 40 different planning committees to help ensure that all the athletes, coaches, officials, spectators, and volunteers have a good experience. In total, there are expected to be about 1,800 athletes and coaches, and 800 volunteers.
“The Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro is the largest ongoing multi-sport event in the province,” says Janet McMahon, Interim President and CEO of Sport Manitoba. “Thorough planning is necessary well in advance for an event this size, where athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and sponsors from across the province work together to provide a safe and memorable experience for everyone.”
An added wrinkle, of course, is the COVID-19 pandemic, which isn’t expected to go away any time soon. Even though the Games are nearly a year away, preparations are underway to ensure that the event is made as safe as possible with enhanced safety protocols.
“As excitement grows and preparation continues for the 2022 Games, we also understand and recognize the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and that public health orders will ultimately determine whether these Games will take place,” McMahon adds. “Participant safety is, in the end, the highest priority. We’d like to thank everyone for their ongoing efforts and commitment and look forward to Niverville hosting the 2022 Manitoba Winter Games.”
The organizers have also unveiled a new tagline that they feel embodies both the spirit of Niverville and everyone’s anticipation of bringing people together after a particularly tough couple of years.
The tagline, which will be used in the event’s advertising and signage, is “United Through Play.”
In late February, the Host Society took an important step forward by signing a multiparty agreement that formalizes the partnership between the Town of Niverville, Sport Manitoba, and the Host Society.
As part of the agreement, the Host Society is guaranteed a capital grant for local sport facility and equipment upgrades of up to $75,000 from Sport Manitoba, which the Host Society can match dollar-for-dollar, creating a potential total of $150,000 of long-term legacies for the community.
Among the legacies of the 2022 Games will be a cross-country ski venue. And of course the new Community Resource and Recreation Centre, which is expected to open this summer, will serve as a hub.
“The Manitoba Winter Games will be in our hometown of Niverville very soon,” says Niverville Mayor Myron Dyck. “While 2020 has been a year most of us would rather forget, our Manitoba Games staff and volunteers have been hard at work ensuring that the Games in 2022 will be an experience that will bring great memories for all who attend. Our staff, our many wonderful volunteers, our residents, and our great business owners are busy preparing to make this the best experience for the athletes, the coaches, and all the supporters including family and friends. We look forward to seeing you in February 2022, here in Niverville—you know, where you belong!”
