February 1967, in Québec City, for the first time in Canada’s history, 1,800 athletes from ten provinces and two territories gathered to compete in 15 sports. These first Canada Winter Games paved the way to what is now Canada’s largest multi?sport competition for young athletes.
Held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, the Canada Games are a key event in the development of Canada’s young athletes. Canada Games athletes are Canada’s next generation national, international and Olympic champions.
The Canada Games and their lasting legacies continue to be the catalyst for the growth of sport and recreation across the country.
The Games are the product of ongoing collaboration between the Government of Canada, provincial/territorial governments, host municipalities, the private sector and the Canada Games Council.
Community Spirit
There are many ways to bring a piece of the Games to your community. Through our collection of programs, youth, families, schools, and communities will have the opportunity to get involved and experience the spirit of the Games in their hometown before February 2011. Each program offers unique and fun ways to engage the public and can easily be delivered in combination with the other programs available. Read on for information on how to take advantage of them and follow the links below to visit the mascot website and torch webpage.
2011 Games Mascots – Anni & SammiAnni and Sammi are available by request to attend community events such as parades, festivals, rallies or sporting events. Event organizers may send a completed request form one (1) month before your scheduled event. Requests will be prioritized by the mascot committee who reserves the right to refuse requests at their discretion. Please note that the appearances will be limited to twenty (20) minutes intervals.
You may send your completed request forms by fax at 490-5730 or by e-mail at chantal.gallant@canadagames2011.ca
Events that are inappropriate for mascot appearances include:
- Events hosted by companies that are not sponsors of the Games
- Private parties not sanctioned by the Host Society
- Events that do not correspond with the Games mandate and objectives
Ignite the Spirit! 2011 Games Torch ProgramCommunities can apply to host a torch appearance to coincide with an existing community event, festival, cultural celebration, parade or mini-sport competition or they can develop their own torch event. These events help to generate excitement and interest about the 2011 Canada Games and give Nova Scotians an opportunity to be a part of the 2011 Torch Program.
Communities are encouraged to organize the torch appearance that best suits them given their size, capacity and resources. The Host Society will select communities based on the program schedule and provide a tool kit with event-planning resources. In order to give as many communities as possible a chance to celebrate with the torch, the program will limit multiple visits to the same communities outside of HRM.
To request a torch appearance or host a torch event, contact: info@canadagames2011.ca
Catch the Spirit – Canada Games DayMore than a regular sports day, it’s a Canada Games Day! Imagine the Canada Games… just for kids. Teams representing the provinces and territories compete in special activities based on real Canada Games events, but with a twist. Host a Canada Games Day and get kids from 4 to 14 involved in unique activities, fun trivia and creative rewards. In our educator-approved Catch the Spirit kit, you’ll find everything you need to plan, organize and run the Canada Games Day. The kit meets the needs of provincial and territorial curricula.