2007 Games - our chance to shine
Published June 28, 2006
Just recently I had occasion to attend the Sherwood Park & District Chamber of Commerce lunch for the Community Partner Program for the 2007 Western Canada Summer Games (WCSG). The Chamber and its entire membership made a significant financial commitment to the Games. Their support and generosity is immensely appreciated.
During the lunch a presentation was made that outlined the positive impact having the Games here will have on the Community. From August 3-11, 2007, 2,300 athletes, coaches, officials and performers from Canada's four western provinces and the three territories will compete in 17 sports in and around the County. We will welcome over 10,000 visitors. There is a potential economic activity of over $21 million in the province and over $16.5 million will occur in Strathcona County. Already at this point, there are over 500 hotel rooms booked for this event.
As well, the County and its residents will gain some legacy projects, such as upgrades to the track and field at Strathcona Athletic Park, seating and deck improvements in the pool area at Millennium Place, new outdoor soccer fields east of Millennium Place and the new Ball Diamond in Centennial Park. These elite athletes who will participate could be our future Olympians so the calibre and competition will be very high making for an exciting atmosphere.
The Games will also feature a cultural component which will afford our residents and visitors the opportunity to experience, first hand, Western Canadian cultures through a variety of performing and visual arts events.
To achieve all this, the WCSG Committee will need volunteers and lots of them; about 3,000. Strathcona County and its residents have always stepped up in events such as this and "done our community proud". The hosting of these games may not come again for a very long time. I would encourage all residents to become involved and take this opportunity to be a part of the largest multi-sport event that Strathcona County has ever seen.
The Committee is seeking both volunteer and financial support. If you can assist in any capacity, visit the Games website, at http://www.2007westerncanadasummergames.ca/ and explore your opportunities.
Let us keep alive our proud history of support and volunteerism and make these games an outstanding success showing our guests our community's amazing capacity and ability.
Peter Wlodarczak
Councillor, Ward 4
780-464-8146
wlodarczak@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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