2012 Alberta Winter Games to be held in Tri-Area
2012 Alberta Winter Games
In 2012, Alberta’s best young athletes will gather in the Tri-Region west of Edmonton for the 19th Alberta Winter Games. The City of Spruce Grove, the Town of Stony Plain and Parkland County will jointly host Alberta’s largest multi-sport competition.“Over the last four decades, the Alberta Games have served as a springboard for athletes’ future success in sport and in life,” said Cindy Ady, Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation. “Not only do we get to cheer on the next generation of emerging Alberta athletes, but this year we will also celebrate the tremendous spirit and diversity of the Tri-Region communities.”
Athletes ranging in age from 11 to 17 will compete in traditional winter sports, as well as in various indoor sports such as volleyball, rhythmic gymnastics and wrestling. The number of participants is similar to an Olympic Winter Games, with more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials taking part in the event.
“Hosting the Alberta Winter Games will display the spirit and enthusiasm of the Tri-Region community,” said Bill Persley, Chair, Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation. “With their previous success in hosting the 1995 Alberta Summer Games and other major events, I am very confident that this will be a great experience for the communities involved and the athletes competing in 2012.”
The Tri-Region will benefit from an estimated economic impact of $3 million by hosting the games.
The Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation operates the Alberta Games on behalf of the Alberta government and works closely with the host community to prepare for the event. The foundation will provide and operating grant of $300,000 and a legacy grant of $50,000 for the 2012 Alberta Winter Games.
The Alberta Winter Games take place every two years. The next games take place in the Lakeland Region from February 4 -7, 2010 in Bonnyville and Cold Lake. The Alberta Summer Games take place July 19-25, 2010 in the Peace Region. For more information, visit www.albertagames.com.
[Source: Alberta Winter Games]
