Video looking back on the 2019 Canada Winter Games, narrated by Ron MacLean

By Troy Gillard

one year later

Legacy of 2019 Games lives on through new local sport authority

Feb 13, 2020 | 7:20 PM

The legacy from the 2019 Canada Winter Games lives on in Red Deer.

Dozens of volunteers, sponsors, Funding Party representatives, staff and Board members gathered Thursday at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre to share their memories of the 2019 Games one year later and to learn more about their legacy, including plans for a Central Alberta Sport Authority.

“As a result of hosting the 2019 Games, Red Deer and central Alberta benefited from multiple sport, cultural, facility and social legacies across Red Deer and central Alberta,” said Lyn Radford, 2019 Canada Winter Games Board Chair.

“While 2019 was our moment, these legacies help to cement Red Deer as an event hosting destination. Now, it is up to Red Deer and central Alberta to decide what their moment will be.”

renowned doctor eager for its arrival

Fundraiser Oct. 18 to benefit Red Deer's cardiac catheterization goals

7h ago

CASH OR FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED

Salvation Army food bank in need of donations amidst increased demand

7h ago

Last Seen Oct. 11, 2024

Missing: Carl Joseph Schuyler, 59, of Delburne

8h ago

The Games generated $110.3 million in economic activity in Alberta, while $14.5 million was invested in five capital projects, facility and equipment upgrades for sport and cultural facilities.

More than $500,000 in sport equipment and assets was donated to over 40 local and provincial sport organizations and not-for-profits, and 2,019 trees were planted across central Alberta.

The Games also saw the training of a volunteer workforce of over 4,600 individuals.

“One year ago, the Canada Winter Games brought our community together in ways we have never experienced before,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “We were proud and excited to welcome the world to Red Deer, and our community is transformed as a result of this one-in-a-generation opportunity. Not only do we have new sport and cultural facilities, but our community also found a renewed sense of pride and came together to rally around a shared love of sport and belief in the promise of Canada’s youth.”

Legacies of the 2019 Games continue to grow and develop. As part of the 2019 Games Legacy Plan, the 2019 Games initiated the formation of a Central Alberta Sport Authority with a mandate to develop, host and celebrate sport opportunities, local sport organizations and future sport events.

“The Central Alberta Sport Authority is excited to build on the momentum and legacy of the 2019 Games,” said Nicole Lorrain, Board Chair, Central Alberta Sport Authority. “While in the very early planning stages of the Sport Authority, we have identified through strategic planning sessions the importance of being an inclusive sport organization to the greater central Alberta region.”

(With file from media release)