Winter Games Launch in Renfrew County

Renfrew – While the opening ceremonies of this year’s Ontario Winter Games in Renfrew emphasized the importance of volunteers and celebrated athletic talent, the main focus during the 60-minute event was a sudden windy whiteout that swept through Ma-te-way Park, making it nearly impossible to spot the main stage for a while.

The unexpected and blinding 20-minute whiteout that hit the staging area Thursday evening didn’t put a damper on the excitement of over 1,000 young athletes and attendees who braved the gusty -25 degree weather to officially begin this year’s Ontario Winter Games.

Set to commence their parade to the stage at 6:30, the athletes endured the intense snow and were finally allowed to start their march just before 7 p. m. Leading them were flag bearers, some struggling to keep hold of their flags due to wind gusts that, according to Environment Canada, exceeded 50 km/h at times. Nevertheless, they pushed through despite the challenging conditions.

As they made their way from the main arena, they were joined by PACHI, the official mascot and cheerleader for Games Ontario events. Following PACHI were hundreds of athletes who kept their heads down against the biting snow as they prepared for competition over two weekends at various venues across the county.

Challenges Faced on Path to County Games

Add this whiteout incident to a long list of unexpected hurdles that Renfrew County’s Ontario Winter Games committee has managed over two years while organizing this bi-annual sporting event featuring top amateur athletes from all regions of Ontario.

When Renfrew County won its bid back in 2021, plans were set for hosting in February and March 2022 so as not to disrupt its regular bi-annual schedule. However, with lingering effects from COVID still felt at that time, Games Chair Peter Emon and his team decided to postpone until February 2023.

This delay meant many volunteers who had originally signed up couldn’t help out on the new dates. Still, despite these challenges and others along the way, they successfully recruited nearly 1,000 volunteers for this year’s event. Cindy Burwell, general manager for the Games said it was all worth it when looking back.

“We had to live through COVID and we lost some events at Calabogie Ski Hill due to fire damage on their snowmaking equipment,” she stated. “Then we faced a minor scare with one rink shutting down in Arnprior. And then there was extreme cold weather; but we got through it all together which really reflects on both our athletes and our volunteers.”

Shortly after 7 o’clock when emcees Sam Buxton and Elizabeth Inglis from Renfrew Collegiate Institute took center stage, they welcomed Irvin Sarazin-an Elder from Algonquins of Pikwakanagan-who led a smudging ceremony recognizing that these Games are held on unceded Algonquin territory.

The crowd erupted into one of its biggest cheers when local MPP John Yakabuski (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke) appeared alongside three-time Olympian Melissa Bishop-Nriagu from Eganville-the official Ambassador for this year’s games.

Mr. Yakabuski couldn’t help but chuckle when he grabbed the microphone

“Warden Peter Emon told me this evening would be one to remember… well he wasn’t wrong,” he remarked. “Anyone here will never forget how wild our weather was at kick-off tonight! The preparation started years ago but like many things lately got sidetracked due Covid concerns. But efforts didn’t stop; everyone worked hard so I thank Peter Emon along with all those involved ensuring these games continue.”

Just as he seemed ready to leave he dashed back toward his podium apologizing again towards Ms. Bishop-Nriagu saying once more:

“I forgot something important!” he exclaimed with excitement. “I hereby declare officially open-the 2023 Ontario Winter Games.”

The audience cheered loudly as Mr. Yakabuski stepped away while Ms. Bishop-Nriagu reflected fondly about her own beginnings running competitions right near where she stood today.

“Growing up here just around Eganville helped shape my journey starting off cross-country races,” she shared proudly adding; “Congratulations everyone on being here because you’re about create memories lasting forever!”

Mentioning past experiences competing herself she reminded participants victories aren’t always measured by medals received:

“Let me share advice took me years figure out,” she continued candidly.” Winning isn’t ordinary! I’ve tasted triumphs & defeats alike.. In Rio Olympics four years ago aimed straight medal neck; finished fourth instead. Was I bummed? Absolutely! Did I achieve goal? Nope-but did I perform exceptionally?”

“You betcha!”

“Once reality sunk-in-that maybe wouldn’t wear medal wiped tears away knowing ran fastest ever ! And get real-winning doesn’t mean simply being first place or having shiny awards-it’s about giving your utmost effort daily.”

Councilor Peter Emon representing Renfew County brought encouraging words on behalf residents:

“This is home base now-we’re cheering you all along wishing comfort support success!” He added noting how much work coaches families parents invested leading contestants reaching milestone. “Now it’s time turn games loose unto YOU! Make them unforgettable!”

The Chief Wendy Jocko expressed warm welcomes extending invitation learn local history understanding contributions Algonquin peoples shaped land visiting today: “A true honor welcoming each one onto territory blessed with gifts Creator provided,” Chief Jocko expressed sincerely. “Renfew presents beautiful landscape rich culture vibrant communities offering great opportunities ahead.” “This event highlights bonds between athletics physical wellness cultural heritage.” Miigwetch thank you Merci Beaucoup!”

A video message arrived from Elizabeth Dowdeswell Lieutenant Governor Of Ontario praising youth effort achieving milestones thus far “I salute young athletes pursuing dreams keep pushing boundaries!” She encouraged enthusiastically.” Ontarians proud await witnessing talents unfold wishing every competitor best luck creating personal remarkable moments.”

A greeting came next Colonel Jason Guiney Commander stationed Garrison Petawawa bringing words goodwill representing soldiers based locally. “We’re thrilled host competitive spirit exceptional talents during coming days!” He stated energetically.” Expect glimpse army life participating showcasing extraordinary skills.” “So saluting competitors honorably!”

The abrupt weather change canceled planned fireworks finale yet ceremonial flame burned bright nevertheless As Todd Nicholson Paralympic Champion hailing Arnprior alongside Regyna Armonas formerly winning Gold Volleyball ’74 ignited cauldron commemorating occasion! Nicholson competed prior life-altering accident paralyzing him later earning gold representing Canada leading squad clinching glory Olympic competition ’06. Regyna famously played pivotal role Olympic Team Montreal ‘76 showing greatness resonated throughout athletic community ever since!</P>>

The second grand opening ceremony awaits scheduled return Feb ninth Ma-te-Way venue hoping better conditions prevail before continuing competitive pursuits spanning weekend February ninth twelfth featuring alpine skiing para alpine kickboxing sledge hockey squash wushu bowling biathlon cross country skiing para nordic wrestling weightlifting..</P>>

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