The cup that satisfies PAGE A10
masonic history PAGE A11
Fembots take on the country PAGE A13
OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
VOL. 99 NO. 87
www.quesnelobserver.com
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Canada Games plans underway DANIKA M. HÉBERT Observer Reporter The Canada Games are coming to Prince George in 2015 and planning is already underway to make sure the region impresses athletes from across the nation. The board chair, Anthony Everett, and director of marketing and communications, Mike David presented their plans for the event to Quesnel city and council, June 17. “The Canada Games came out of the Unity Project in 1967,” Everett said. “They are about inspiring dreams and building champions.” Everett explained the Canada games are held in various Canadian cities every two years, similar to the Olympics. Everett said he believes many people are confused as to what exactly the Canada Games are, thinking the B.C. Games are coming to the region. “This is Canada’s largest multisport event,” he said. “We have fabulous B.C. Games but this is a true Canadian institution. “Canada will be coming here in 2015. “It is a very big event.” Everett made a point of telling the mayor and council that although these games aren’t the Olympics, they certainly are a stepping stone. “This is the pathway for athletes going to the Olympics,” he said. “There are more than 800 communities represented at our games.” Naming past competitors such as Sidney Crosby and Catriona Le May Doan, Everett explained Canadian athletes benefit from these games and go on to become successful in sports or otherwise. The Canada Games, which include 19 official sports, will bring
about 3,500 athletes, judges and staff to the area. “The economic impact is going to be between $70 and $80 million,” Everett said, adding that “there will be 100 media from across the country. “We expect 15,000 people to our area, I’m sure some of them will end up staying in Quesnel.” A big part of making sure the games go according to plan is having enough volunteers. “We expect that we’re going to need about 3,500 volunteers,” Everett said. “There are already people from Quesnel signed up to volunteer at the games. “It is a big commitment in time, but we know people are eager to do that.” Everett highlighted the need for bilingual volunteers and that volunteers must be 15-years old or older and must pass a criminal record check. “There will be a lot of opportunities and we want everyone involved so we can represent our area of our province to the rest of Canada.” Everett said he’s hoping to have a lively atmosphere during the games. “We have opening and closing ceremonies, medal ceremonies, nightly cultural activities and entertainment,” he added. “Never in our history have we had the rest of the nation in our area. “We’re hoping to have a festivallike atmosphere.” He went on to say with athletes ranging from 12 to 35 years old, the lively atmosphere won’t be difficult to achieve. The games open Feb. 13, 2015 and close March 1, 2015. For more information, visit http:// www.canadagames2015.ca.
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Canada Day Scorching hot weather didn’t keep the crowds away from Quesnel’s Canada Celebrations in LeBourdais Park, Monday. It was entertainment, food, fun and of course the very well-used water slide which kept those attending the event in good spirits. For more photos see PAGE A3. Autumn MacDonald photo
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August 3 & 4
at Quesnel Regional Airport Check out our website
www.quesnelskyfest.ca