This summer, the University of Waterloo will quietly become the center of one of the biggest multi-sport events in the province. As over 1,600 athletes, coaches, and officials arrive at the University for the Ontario Summer Games from July 30 to August 2, residence buildings, dining halls, and athletic facilities across our campus will take on a different vibe.
Behind the scenes, this change is thanks to months of planning involving various departments at the University. The timing provides a great chance for the Games to utilize campus resources fully, allowing teams throughout campus to collaborate in a uniquely integrated way.
From hosting multiple competitions and organizing transportation to serving as a main hub for housing and meals while moving participants around during the Games, Waterloo researchers, students, and staff are playing a vital role in this year’s event.
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Helping athletes off the field
For Waterloo Athletics and Recreation, this event builds on years of experience with major competitions but at an entirely different scale. “We will be housing and feeding up to 1,500 individuals in residence on campus during the games,” says Ari Grossman, Associate Director of Business Operations at Waterloo Athletics. “Athletics and Recreation will be providing venues for hosting basketball and rugby on campus as well as supporting recreation opportunities for participants when on campus.” While Waterloo Athletics sets up the stage, Food Services fuels their performance. During the Games, athletes along with their coaches and support staff will depend on Waterloo’s dining services for steady high-quality meals tailored to meet competition needs. Menus were created to enhance athletic performance by balancing protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and hydration while also considering various dietary restrictions.Keeping people moving
With competition venues located throughout the region, transportation plays a crucial role that requires detailed planning to ensure athletes and their support teams are moved safely and efficiently. Waterloo students from the Faculty of Environment’s School of Planning are aiding these complex logistics by collaborating with organizers to plan out transportation services. This includes estimating travel times between different locations, determining how many buses are needed, and setting ideal arrival and departure times throughout the event schedule. “Each day and each sport have a unique set of requirements,” explains Stephanie Fritz, a master’s student in Planning who is helping with this effort. “Some sports have athletes arrive on site and stay all day; others have athletes travelling between venues for their games throughout the day.” A strict event schedule means that pick-ups and drop-offs need careful organization so everyone gets to their various venues on time. It must also account for possible scenarios like an unexpected bus breakdown to keep operations running smoothly without interruptions. Apart from housing arrangements, meal provisions, and transport logistics countless volunteers contribute in other ways during these Games-from providing athletic therapy services to coordinating equipment management or assisting with opening ceremony logistics. The collective efforts across institutions highlight expertise collaboration found all over campus ensuring a positive experience for athletes coaches visitors alike.Source link
