2017 Canada Summer Games – Things are heating up in Winnipeg, Gimli and Kenora as the Host Society and Co-Hosts put the final touches on preparations for the 2017 Canada Summer Games. While the Games start officially on July 28, we look forward to a busy week of activities to get the party started! 

Here are a few upcoming media events and/or opportunities:

TUESDAY, JULY 25

Media tour of the Athletes Village
This will be the media’s only opportunity to see the athletes’ living quarters at the 2017 Canada Summer Games. The Athletes Village will be off limits to all media during the Games

Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Arthur V. Mauro Residence, 120 Dafoe Road, University of Manitoba
Photo/Video opportunities: Volunteers preparing residences and common recreational areas 
Interview opportunities: 2017 Canada Summer Games spokesperson will speak to the Host Society’s vision of providing for care and comfort for athletes 
Other: Please note: no press release will be distributed at this event.

TUESDAY, JULY 25

Live art at the Forks
Two Manitoba artists, including Kenneth Lavallee who designed the Games’ medals, will be painting on a large canvas under the canopy at the Forks. The piece of art – designed as part of the pageantry leading up to the 2017 Canada Summer Games – will be installed on the Forks’ Parking Garage Wednesday, July 26.  

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Under the canopy
Photo/Video opportunities: Artists painting on very large canvas
Interview opportunities: Artists will be available for interviews
Other: Please note: no press release will be distributed at this event.

 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

The Manitoba Hydro Torch Relay comes to Winnipeg!
Torchbearers chosen from over 650 applications (over 200 in Winnipeg) will carry the Roly McLenahan torch along one of 67 legs through the streets of Winnipeg on Wednesday. 

Kick off/Pep rally: 8:45 a.m. at Memorial Park
Torch Relay begins: 9:30 a.m. at the Centennial Torch on Memorial Boulevard (with “Dancing” Gabe Langlois running the first leg). 
Community celebration: 12:30 p.m. barbecue at Manitoba Hydro Place, on Edmonton Street (between Portage and Graham). Free hotdogs for the first 1,000 guests! 
Photo/Video opportunities: Torchbearers warming up; torchbearers running their leg; torchbearers passing the torch to the next runner; community celebration at Manitoba Hydro Place. 

Help us get the word out to the community!

• We are looking for enthusiastic Winnipeggers to cheer on the torchbearers along the route! See map below which includes details of when and where each torchbearer will carry the Roly McLenahan Torch
• Book interviews with torchbearers before the big day or find them after their leg or at the Community celebration at the end of the run.
• Line up live-on-location opportunities along the route or at the Community celebration.

Torch Relay Route and schedule
Call for Torch Relay Cheerleaders
Manitoba Hydro Torch Relay Backgrounder

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

Media Reception* 
The 2017 Canada Summer Games Host Society and Co-Hosts invite you to a reception for all accredited media who will be covering the Games. The reception will provide you with an opportunity to meet the Games’ Media and Communications team and socialize with your colleagues before the Games begin!  

Time: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Manitoba Sport Hall of Fame, Canada Games Sport for Life Centre, 145 Pacific Avenue, Winnipeg, MB

Other: RSVP required 
*For accredited media only

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26

Exclusive Preview – Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame

The Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame aims to recognize Canada’s outstanding achievements in the sports of swimming, para-swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo. The Royal Gallery’s exhibits strive to inform visitors of the accomplishments of athletes and builders (coaches, officials, volunteers, etc.) involved in aquatic sports, and inspire participation. 
 
TIME: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame, 25 Poseidon Bay (Pan Am Pool), Winnipeg MB
Featuring interview opportunities at 6:30 p.m. with:
Rhiannon Leier – two time Olympian, 13 national titles and 19 international medals in swimming
Timothy McIsaac – won over 30 international medals, includes 14 Gold at Paralympic Games, and      first blind swimmer to use a tumble turn technique
Dr. Luke Small – President, Canadian Aquatic Hall of Fame

See full Media Alert

THURSDAY, JULY 27

Athletes arrive to a warm Winnipeg welcome!

James Richardson International Airport will be abuzz with activity on Thursday as teams begin to arrive in Winnipeg for the Games. The Games Community Relations team, led by Games mascot Niibin, will be on the hug rug all day to greet the athletes as they arrive.

Time: Throughout the day; first flight arrives at 8:35 a.m. 
Location: James Richardson International Airport, Winnipeg, MB
Photo/Video opportunities: Niibin hugging and high-fiving athletes; groups of athletes dressed in their team colours coming down the arrival escalator. Athletes taking their luggage off the carousel, etc.
Other: Please note: no press release will be distributed at this event.

THURSDAY, JULY 27

2017 Games Hall of Honour Induction Ceremony

The Canada Games Hall of Honour celebrates exceptional Canada Games alumni who have distinguished themselves as athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers or administrators, individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the development and advancement of the Canada Games Movement.
 
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: The Met Entertainment Centre, 281 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB
Hall of Honour Inductees

• Olympian Carla MacLeod
• Olympian Claire Carver-Dias
• Builder Ted Bigelow
• Builder Blair McIntosh

Photo/Video Opportunities: Each inductee receiving their award; inductees at the podium; group photo of inducteers; guests at luncheon

FRIDAY, JULY 28

2017 Games Medal Unveiling

Canada Games alumni and Olympians will be on hand as the 2017 Canada Summer Games medal is unveiled.  Catriona Lemay Doan will host a panel with fellow Canada Games alumni and high profile athletes who will discuss their experience at Canada Games, the impact it had on their lives and sport development, their favourite Canada Games memories, etc. 

 

Location: Manitoba Club,194 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB

Time: July 28, 2017,  8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
Moderator: Catriona Le May Doan

Panelists

• Natalie Spooner
• Jennifer Botterill
• Doreen Botterill
• Adam Van Koeverden
• Kaitlyn Lawes

Photo/Video Opportunities: The 2017 Canada Summer Games medal being revealed; Canada Games alumni discussing their Games experience. 

 

FRIDAY, JULY 28
Opening Press Conference
This media event, held a few hours before the Opening Ceremony, sets the stage for the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg

Time: 4:30 pm.
Location: The MET Entertainment Centre, 281 Donald St., Winnipeg MB
Dignitaries: government representatives, chairs of Canada Games Council and 2017 Canada Games Host Society, Canada Games alumnus Adam Van Koeverden

Photo/Video opportunities: Speakers at the podium 
Interview opportunities: All platform guests
Other: Press kits will be distributed at the press conference
 

The Games are around the corner. Plan ahead:

• Opening Ceremony, July 28 2017 : Ceremony producer Patrick Roberge of PRP Productions is available for interviews BEFORE July 28. If you would like an interview, please contact us ASAP to coordinate an interview. 

See full news release 

• The Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Canada Games Festival will attract some of Canada’s greatest artists. Plan your coverage now to have best access to the performers:
  • Book interviews with artists now, for pre-Games or Games-time use.
  • Help us get the word out: the Forks will be the place to be after competitions – with amazing Festival line-up from across the country and nightly fireworks! (see schedule and Festival site map below)

Website 
Festival schedule
Festival map

Planning on attending the Games as accredited media? 

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to apply for accreditation!