May 15, 2025 – Thompson, MB – The tagline for the 2026 Manitoba Winter Games powered by Manitoba Hydro has officially been unveiled: ‘Together We Play, māmawi ki-mētawānaw’.
The tagline was developed in collaboration with the Host Committee, representatives from the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO), and Cree Language Consultants from the School District of Mystery Lake. Featuring both English and Cree translations, this is a first for the Manitoba Games. The tagline reflects the rich culture of Manitoba and the language of Northern Manitoba, emphasizing inclusivity and participation for all.
Twelve sports will be featured in Thompson, which is located on Treaty 5 Territory and on the Ancestral Lands of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation, and are expected to welcome over 1,500 athletes, 300 coaches and managers, 100 officials, and more than 750 volunteers from across Manitoba. The Hub of the North hosted the Winter Games in both 1994 and 2018, and will host for the third time from March 1-7, 2026.
Planning is well underway and the call for volunteers is open! Volunteer roles include sport and venues, food services, athlete services, special events, marketing and communications, and more. Manitobans interested in being a part of the province’s largest ongoing multi-sport event can sign up to volunteer here.
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“As the Games creep closer, we are excited to announce our tagline. It not only represents the inclusiveness we want all athletes to experience during the Games, but also illustrates our desire to incorporate our northern culture. We look forward to showcasing our first class venues and northern hospitality in March 2026,” shared Todd Harwood and Cristy Andres, Manitoba Games Host Society Executive Directors
“Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak is proud to be working with the 2026 Manitoba Games Thompson Host Society that will be held on Treaty 5 Territory, home of Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation. We look forward to the energy and enthusiasm the Games will bring along, and are excited about the inclusion of Cree language in the new tagline. We know Thompson and surrounding communities will play host to the best Manitoba Winter Games ever,” said Gina Spence, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Rep and Manitoba Games Executive
“This announcement energizes us to remember the purpose and benefits of our province’s largest ongoing multi-sport event: participation, gaining experience, and the incredible positive impact of sport on athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, families, friends, and residents of the host community of Thompson,” said Janet McMahon, Sport Manitoba President & CEO
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Games to our city once again. It’s a great chance for the students and the wider community to engage with both familiar faces and visitors, and experience the comradeship of this special event,” shared Angele Bartlett, School District of Mystery Lake Superintendent of Human Resources & Policy
About
The 2026 Manitoba Winter Games powered by Manitoba Hydro will take place March 1-7, 2026 in the City of Thompson, Manitoba. The Games are the province’s largest ongoing multi-sport program, which brings together over 1,750 participants from across the province to compete at the highest level every two years.
Sport Manitoba is a not-for-profit organization and the lead planning, programming and funding agency for the development of amateur sport in Manitoba. Located at 145 Pacific Avenue in Winnipeg, Sport Manitoba partners with over 100 organizations to deliver sport in the province and is responsible for programs including the Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro, Sport Manitoba Coaching, Team Manitoba, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, Fit Kids Healthy Kids, and KidSport. Services provided include the Sport Manitoba Clinic, Sport Manitoba Performance, Sport Manitoba Fitness Centre, and the Paul Robson Resource Centre for Leadership and Coaching. Safe Sport Line: 1-833-656-SAFE (7233).
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For more information, please contact:
Sam Cortes
Communications Manager, Sport Manitoba
204-290-7630
sam.cortes@sportmanitoba.ca