Today kicks off the 365-day countdown until Niverville hosts the 2022 Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro. Niverville hosts the Games February 27 to March 5, 2022.
The Niverville Host Society, under the direction of 70+ lead volunteers, is developing operational plans for every aspect of the Games, from food services and transportation, to signage and technology, to sport and venues, all with enhanced safety protocols on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro is the largest ongoing multi-sport event in the province. Thorough planning is necessary well in advance for an event this size, where athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and sponsors from across the province work together to provide a safe and memorable experience for everyone,” said Janet McMahon, Interim President & CEO of Sport Manitoba. “As excitement grows and preparation continues for the 2022 Games, we also understand and recognize the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and that public health orders will ultimately determine whether these Games will take place – participant safety is, in the end, the highest priority. We’d like to thank everyone for their ongoing efforts and commitment and look forward to Niverville hosting the 2022 Manitoba Winter Games.”
The Host Society took an important step toward hosting the Games with the official signing of the Multi-Party Agreement. This process formalizes the partnership between the Town of Niverville, Sport Manitoba, and the Host Society. The Host Society is guaranteed a capital grant for local sport facility and equipment upgrades of up to $75,000 from Sport Manitoba, which the Host Society can match dollar-for-dollar creating a potential total of $150,000 of long-term legacies.
“The Manitoba Winter Games will be in our hometown of Niverville very soon. While 2020 has been a year most of us would rather forget, our Manitoba Games staff and volunteers have been hard at work ensuring that the Games in 2022 will be an experience that will bring great memories for all who attend,” said Myron Dyck, Mayor of Niverville. “Our staff, our many wonderful volunteers, our residents, and our great business owners are busy preparing to make this the best experience for the athletes, the coaches, and all the supporters including family and friends. We look forward to seeing you in February 2022, here in Niverville, you know, where you belong!”
Volunteer recruitment launches March 1. These Games will require upwards of 800 volunteers to support the behind the scenes, planning, and execution of the Games in a variety of roles, and their contribution will be a key factor in the Games’ success. People interested in volunteering can apply at sportmanitoba.ca/niverville2022
One of the benefits of hosting a multi-sport Games is the physical legacies that enhance sport opportunities within the host community. In Niverville, two major legacies of these Games will be the cross country ski venue and the Niverville Community Resource and Recreation Centre.
“Niverville is home to many proud businesses, residents, and cultural and recreational programs. With the 2022 Winter Games coming to Niverville, it will bring the region together for the duration of the Games and beyond,” said Host Society Co-Chairs Angela Janz and Chantel Todd. “Working with our regional and local partners to foster and encourage volunteerism amongst young and old alike. The Games have already strengthened and built many relationships and partnerships throughout Niverville and Southeastern Manitoba. With over 80+ volunteers working together in over forty different committees to plan the 2022 Games, Niverville is truly “where you belong”. We want all athletes, coaches, officials, spectators and volunteers to feel they belong in Niverville and truly enjoy their visit for the week. We look forward to having 1,800 athletes and coaches, and 800 volunteers during the week of the Games.”
Manitoba Hydro has been the title sponsor of the Manitoba Games since they were held in Beausejour in 2006. The Games have also recently been hosted in Carman, Portage la Prairie, Swan River, Morden-Winkler, Steinbach, and Thompson and are strengthened through the tremendous support of our presenting sponsors: Credit Unions of Manitoba, Calm Air, Travel Manitoba, and Konica Minolta.
While Manitoba Hydro and the province’s amateur sport community were disappointed the 2020 Manitoba Games in Dauphin were cancelled due to the pandemic, we look forward to 2022.
“Manitoba Hydro is proud to sponsor the 2022 Manitoba Winter Games in Niverville,” said Jay Grewal, Manitoba Hydro President & CEO. “We and the presenting sponsors know how vital it is to support our local communities during these challenging times. We also know how important it is to support the thousands of young athletes and their families, their coaches and the officials who will participate and make these games a success.”
