In unison, hundreds of voices could be heard through the halls of Lawrence Grassi Elementary School chanting over and over again: “we want the games!”
The pep rally cheers, however, were nothing compared to the applause from students and officials when Banff-Cochrane MLA Janis Tarchuk officially announced Banff and Canmore were selected to host the 2014 Alberta Winter Games, Wednesday (Sept. 7).
“The winter games have left a strong legacy in the 19 communities that have had the opportunity to host the event,” Tarchuk said, adding Banff was the very first host in 1976. “I am very proud to announce the communities of Banff and Canmore have been chosen as the host site.
“The games are really important for young athletes and that is why today’s announcement is so important.”
The winter games are held every two years for athletes from the age of 11 to 17 who compete in traditional winter sports as well as various indoor sports like volleyball and wrestling.
It is expected more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials will take part in the event at various facilities between the two Bow Valley communities.
Bid committee member Hans Holthius and Olympic gold medallist Chandra Crawford did the math for the excited crowd of students which showed that by the time the event occurs, they could compete as athletes.
Crawford said competing in the Alberta Winter Games was a stepping-stone to her Olympic success and encouraged the children to embrace the challenge and do their best.
Canmore Mayor Ron Casey said the event, which will be held in mid-February and include 24 different sports, is for the younger generations in the province.
“The games are not about us,” he said, pointing to the various town councillors, administration and school officials at the event. “It is not about adults, it is about kids and youth.
“This is really just the beginning.”
Casey said the excitement and enthusiasm from the announcement was a little overwhelming and an opportunity to showcase both communities.
“It is a great opportunity to showcase Banff and Canmore, to show we have one community here and that when Banff and Canmore work together we can achieve great things.”
Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen said many people may have thought the proposal, spearheaded by John McIssac and Holthius, was a slam dunk.
However, Sorensen said putting the bid together was an incredible amount of hard work and thanked those involved for believing in the communities of the Bow Valley and convincing both town councils it was a good thing to do.
“Delighted is a bit of an overstatement,” she said. “I am excited, honoured and thrilled to be doing this.”
Games selection committee chair Alfred Fischer said it is never an easy decision to choose a host for the games, especially when there are multiple bids.
However, he said Canmore and Banff have the greatest facilities for ski sports in the province, which was an important consideration.
Fischer also pointed to the new arena in Banff and Canmore’s Multiplex facility currently under construction.
“The other thing we look for is the enthusiasm of the people, commitment and organization of the bid committee,” he said. “Your people did a great job.”
McIssac, who himself participated in the games in the early ‘80s, said sports and recreation is incredibly important for youth in the community because it gives them a strong foundation for their future life.
“We are talking about the leaders of our communities in the future and to give them this experience certainly broadens their knowledge,” he said.
The Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation operates the Alberta Games on behalf of the provincial government.
In addition to making the official announcement of the winning bid, Tarchuk also announced the foundation will provide an operating grant of $300,000, a cultural grant of $70,000 and a legacy grant of $50,000.
“We have a proven track record in hosting large-scale winter events and are looking forward to showcasing our famous Rocky Mountain hospitality,” she said.
