2017 Canada Summer Games – The 2017 Canada Summer Games got off to a roaring start today with action in baseball, basketball, soccer and softball. Here is a look back at Day 2 and a media outlook for Day 3 to assist you as you plan your coverage.  

DAY 2 ROUND UP

1. Canada Games Sport for Life Centre comes alive with Basketball action

On its inaugural day of sport competition at the Games, the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre – the Games’ most significant physical legacy – was jumping.  By the 7:30 p.m. opposing Manitoba and Nova Scotia, it was standing room only, with fans standing three- and four-deep to catch the excitement. It was a close game but, in the end, Team Manitoba’s boisterous cheering section helped propel them to a nail-biting finish: 88-83 with only seconds to go. Noah Dornn, #12, was the hometown hero. 
Contact: SIO Jeff Scanlon, jscanlon@basketball.ca or  519-501-3362. 

2. Team Alberta hot on opening day 
Team Alberta made a strong debut at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg with memorable performances throughout the day. Not only did its teams winning all but two of their respective matches despite high temperatures and humid conditions, but it’s women’s basketball team set a new Canada Games record for most points in a single game. The previous record was at 111 points.
Contact: Team Alberta Media rep Guy Napert-Frenette, 403-669-5015 or guy.napertfrenette@gmail.com

3. The Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Canada Games Festival reaches capacity of 9,500 people in attendance. 
Starting with an Opening Ceremony with dignitaries from the three levels of government in attendance, the Festival crowd continued to swell throughout the evening. The Forks parking lots reached capacity and were closed by 7:15 p.m., with the Host Society taking to social media to encourage the public to walk, take a bike or transit bus. By the time the fireworks started at 10:30 after Serena Ryder took the stage as part of Ontario Night’s stellar line up, the Forks site reached capacity at 9,500. 
Contact: Jason Smith, Director of Special Events,  jsmith@2017canadagames.ca 204-293-1728
 

MEDIA OUTLOOK FOR DAY 3 (July 30)

1. Start of Mountain Bike competitions at brand new Bison Butte Venue

Mountain Bike fans will get a first look at the brand new course built approximately 15 km from downtown Winnipeg with the Female Cross Country event. The Bison Butte Mountain Bike course is one of the 2017 Canada Summer Games’ major capital projects and a key legacy project. While Mountain bike is set to be one of the most exciting spectator sports during the Games, it may be a challenge for media looking to cover the event. For more information, please contact Cycling SIO Karine Bédard. 
Start: July 30, 12:00
Contact: SIO Karine Bédard, 438-884-8771 or karine.bedard@cyclingcanada.ca 

2. Beach Volleyball expected to be one of the popular events at the Games 
Life’s a beach at Sargent Park Beach Volleyball Centre, a brand new facility featuring a party atmosphere that is expected to draw large crowds. Manitoba takes on Newfoundland in this female competition. 
Start: July 30, 19:00
Contact: Courtney Killion, courtney@volleyball.ca or 647-961- 5845

3. Sailing event begins in Gimli, Manitoba
Located on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, the town of Gimli is home to a sailing club that has hosted major regattas including the 1999 Pan Am Games. The event, which sets sail as the annual Gimli Icelandic Festival begins, is sure to draw spectators. This is a non-ticketed event.
Start: 11:00 a.m.
Contact: Samara Crothers, sam@sailing.ca, 613-483-8058
 

4. Québec takes on Alberta at Elmwood Giants field
It’s Québec day at the Canada Games and baseball is sure to be one to watch on July 30. 
Start: July 30, 13:00
Contact: 613.862.0256

5. Québec Night at the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Canada Games Festival
Main stage artists include Bobby Bazini, Nicolas Pellerin et les Grands Hurleurs and Coeur de pirate. Opening act is Manitoba’s Justin Lacroix. 
Start: 4:30 p.m. 
Contacts:
– General Festival interview: Jason Smith, Director of Special Events: jsmith@2017canadagames.ca 204-293-1728
– Bobby Bazini: contact  Sophie Barbe, Universal Music Canada, 514-278-3230, sophie.barbe@umusic.com
– Nicolas Pellerin: Stéphanie Richard, 514-296-0256, stephanie@projetcaravelle.com
– Please note: Coeur de pirate will not be available for media interviews 

Festival schedule
Festival map

OTHER STORIES

Volunteer from la Belle Province

On Québec day, why not tell the story of volunteers who’ve travelled from la Belle Province to be part of the 2017 Canada Summer Games. Discover their stories and get their contact information.  

Contact: Monique LaCoste, mlacoste@2017canadagames.ca or 204-451-1202

Heat Stroke: how to protect yourself

With the temperature rising and high humidity levels, protecting spectactors and athletes from the heat and sun’s rays is a priority. Contact Media relations consultant Monique LaCoste to get in touch with a health professional to discuss the challenges of competing in hot weather, how to detect dehydration symptoms, and how to prevent it. 
Contact: Monique LaCoste, mlacoste@2017canadagames.ca or 204-451-1202
 

Icelandic Games

Manitoba is home to the largest community of Icelandic descent outside of Iceland! Discover traditional Islandic Games at the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Canada Games Festival at the Forks. 
Start: July 30 at 4:30 p.m.
Contact: Shel Dyck, 204-228-9044 or sonsoflugh@outlook.com. 

For all media inquiries, please contact:

WINNIPEG
Monique LaCoste
Media Relations Consultant
2017 Canada Summer Games
mlacoste@2017canadagames.ca
Office: 204-594-5683
Mobile: 204-451-1202