By Brian Schultz
Sport Manitoba has formed a team to bid on the 2017 Canada Games in hopes of bringing them to Manitoba.
“The Canada Games is an extraordinary event that plays an important role in developing Manitoba’s athletes and coaches, while showcasing our province to the country,” said Jeff Hnatiuk, president and CEO for Sport Manitoba.
Brandon’s bid to hold the Games in the Wheat City was rejected on Thursday. The Canada Games Council expressed concern the western Manitoba city didn’t have an 50-metre, eight-lane, indoor swimming pool.
At the request of the province, an initial team of community representatives has been put together to begin discussions with potential partners and stakeholders to build a bid proposal.
The bid team consists of:
Mariette Mulaire — President and CEO, World Trade Centre Winnipeg
Hubert Mesman — Former president and CEO, Travel Manitoba
Terry Welsh — Former executive director, Tourism Secretariat — Province of Manitoba
Mike Benson — Director, Sport Secretariat — Province of Manitoba
Jeff Hnatiuk — President and CEO, Sport Manitoba
A bid to the Canada Games Council will be formally made in the spring of 2013.
