THUNDER BAY – The heavy, behind-the-scenes lifting is over.
In three short days, athletes will take the spotlight, starting on Friday night when the 2024 Ontario Winter Games kicks off with a free-to-the-public opening ceremonies celebration, featuring the Lockyer Boys, at Fort William Historical Park.
Years of hard work behind him and the rest of the organizing committee, event chair Barry Streib on Tuesday said he’s excited to turn things over to the 12- to 18-year-olds competing in 13 different sports over the course of the next two weekends.
It’s all about them, Streib said.
“This is an important time in their professional career, as they develop into the opportunities that are created by having these events for them, the Games for them,” Streib said.
“They really get to fine-tune their skills as an athlete. Where they’re going to end up? Who knows? But they’re on their way and that’s what’s important, to see them compete. You’re going to see that intensity and emotion that they’re going to bring and I can’t wait for our community to witness that and watch that go.”
Sixteen-year-old Emily Harris, a wrestler from Superior Collegiate and Vocational Institute in Thunder Bay, won gold at last year’s Games and is hoping for a repeat in 2024.
Being able to showcase her skills, and possibly win another gold medal, is the best part of this year’s competition, she said.
“It’s exciting. I’m nervous, but most importantly I’m looking forward to spending time with my teammates,” she said.
“It’s really nice because all (my friends and family) can come and watch in person and come cheer me on. It’s helpful to have someone in the stands cheering us on.”
Fellow wrestler Merric Beauparlant, who won silver at age 13 in 2023, said being at home is a big selling factor for him too.
“It’s nice because they can all support you and they’ll all cheer for you,” he said.
Six of the 13 sports will take place this weekend, starting with futsal and ringette on Friday, the first being staged at the Hangar, the latter at Delaney Arena.
Diving, cross-country skiing, wrestling and badminton get under way on Saturday. Skiing is slated for Lappe Nordic, diving for the Canada Games Complex, badminton will be at Superior CVI, and wrestling will be at the Hangar.
Weekend No. 2 includes five-pin bowling, archery, artistic swimming, biathlon, curling, fencing and hockey.
Streib said the public is encouraged to come out and watch any and all of the events, noting admission is the right price.
That’s the best way to support the young athletes, he said.
“We want as many in our community to come out and be a part of the Games themselves. The opening ceremonies are free. You can come. All the venues where the athletes are competing are free. You can come. That’s what we want,” Streib said.
“Come out and cheer on the athletes. That always motivates them to do even better. I know myself, when I’m going to the venues, I’m going to be cheering them on.”
For more information on the competition schedule, visit the City of Thunder Bay’s Games website.
