Sport Manitoba – Thompson, MB – The Province of Manitoba, Sport Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro gathered in Thompson today to officially celebrate the City of Thompson as hosts of the 2018 Power Smart Manitoba Winter Games. As part of the celebration Sport Manitoba announced the Games will be held March 4 – 10, 2018 and added two additional sports to the roster. The City of Thompson also introduced Host Society Co-Chairs, Sandra Ross-Hitch and Murray Kissick.

Due to Thompson’s proximity to a ski hill and its indoor swimming pool, the Power Smart Games were able to add competition in Alpine Ski and Swimming.

• Alpine Ski – NEW – Under 14 & Under 16 [female & male]
• Archery – 16 & Under [female & male]
• Badminton – 14 & Under, 16 & Under, 17 & Under [female & male]
• Cross Country Ski – Pee Wee, Midget, Juvenile [female & male]
• Curling – Under 15 [female & male]
• Figure Skating – Juvenile, Pre-Novice, Novice [female & male]
• Gymnastics – Under 13, Under 17 [male], Under 12, Under 13, Under 17 [female]
• Hockey – Under 17 [female] Under 15 [male]
• Ringette – Under 14 [female]
• Speed Skating – Under 14, Under 18 [female & male]
• Swimming – NEW – Junior, Youth [female & male]
• Table Tennis – TBA [female & male]
• Wrestling – Bantam, Cadet [female & male]

Ross-Hitch has dedicated time and leadership to several organizations around Thompson, including Winterfest, the Thompson Community Foundation, Arts Festival Board and served on the torch relay committee leading up to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics; Ross-Hitch also currently serves as president of the Thompson Rotary Club, and spearheaded the RCMP Musical Ride last summer in Thompson.

“It’s an honour to be asked to host the games once again,” said Ross-Hitch. “We have a superb legacy from 1994, and we want to ensure that we will build on it.”

Kissick brings a long history of leadership in sports in both athletics and administration, including minor hockey, the Thompson Golf Club, and several provincial education boards. Kissick is confident Thompson will carry the legacy of its hospitality forward.

“Year after year, no matter what sort of project we undertake, the commitment and vision of our community always comes together at the end of the day,” said Kissick. “The winter games in 2018 will be no different.”

Sport Manitoba held an informational meeting with the city of Thompson and the School District of Mystery Lake on Jan. 7, 2017 to discuss Thompson hosting the 2018 Games. City Council voted unanimously January 16th followed by a unanimous vote from the School District, to host the 2018 Power Smart Manitoba Winter Games.

Event Attendees

• Rochelle Squires, Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage
• Dennis Fenske, Mayor of Thompson
• School District of Mystery Lake
• Ed Danyluk, Manitoba Hydro 
• Sandra Ross-Hitch, 2018 Host Society Co-Chair 
• Laurel Read, Interim CEO, Sport Manitoba
   

Additional Quotes 

“Northern Manitoba has so much to offer and we are excited about the chance to bring athletes and visitors alike to this beautiful community,” said Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires. “We know the community of Thompson has great plans for the games and we can’t wait for the competition to begin.”

The Honourable Minister Rochelle Squires, Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage

“The Power Smart Manitoba Games are extremely important to our province, contributing significantly to the development of our athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and communities throughout Manitoba. Amongst the participants in Thompson in 2018 will be future Canada Games athletes and hopefully future Olympians. We are excited to have the city of Thompson on board and look forward to working with their team of volunteers over the coming months to develop amateur sport in our province.”

Laurel Read, Interim CEO, Sport Manitoba

“Manitoba Hydro congratulates the City of Thompson in their interest and acceptance by Sport Manitoba to host the 2018 Power Smart Manitoba Winter Games. “The games are an excellent experience for our province’s young athletes, their coaches, their families and the entire community. We are pleased the City of Thompson is committed to hosting what will be a tremendous event.”

Kelvin Shepard, Manitoba Hydro President & CEO

“The City of Thompson is honoured and excited by the opportunity to host the Power Smart Winter Games, and to showcase our community and our region to athletes and spectators from across Manitoba. With ideal facilities like the Vale Regional Community Center and our passionate volunteers, the enthusiasm of our residents will be on full display in 2018.”

His Worship Dennis Fenske, Mayor of Thompson

Quick Facts

•    The Power Smart Manitoba Games are the largest ongoing multi-sport event in the Province. 
•    The program is administered by Sport Manitoba with direction provided by the Manitoba Games Council. 
•    The Manitoba Games is a major sport development program of Sport Manitoba that follows the Olympic cycle, taking place every two years, alternating between summer and winter events. 
•    Morden-Stanley-Winkler hosted the 2014 Power Smart Manitoba Winter Games.
•    Steinbach hosted the 2016 Power Smart Manitoba Summer Games.
•    This is the first time speed skating has participated in the Power Smart Games.
•    The City of Thompson previously hosted the Winter Games in 1994.
•    Link to more history

About

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 in the Canada Games Sport for Life Centre, Sport Manitoba partners with over 100 organizations to deliver sport in our province and is responsible for programs including the Power Smart Manitoba Games, Coaching Manitoba, Team Manitoba, Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame, and KidSport. Services provided include the Sport Medicine Clinic, Sport Performance Centre, and Sport Resource Centre.

-30-

For more information please contact:
Patrick Kirby
Senior Games Manager
Sport Manitoba
Cell: 204.797.6226
Office: 204.926.8353
Pat.kirby@sportmanitoba.ca 
www.powersmartmanitobagames.ca 
Twitter: @psmbgames
facebook.com/psmbgames
instagram.com/psmbgames