The Torch Relay for the 2019 Canada Winter Games, has almost reached its destination.

Airdrie was just one of the 48 communities the Torch Relay had made an appearance, in before heading to the Opening Ceremony in Red Deer on February 15th. The Torch Relay has made history this year by travelling across Canada, normally the Torch Relay is only done in the Province that's hosting the games, and this is the first time it's ever been done Nation-wide. 

 

"It really is modelled after the Olympics." - Hugh McPherson

Vice Chair for the Host Society of the 2019 Canada Winter Games Hugh McPherson, expressed his gratitude to over 5,000 volunteers who are helping execute the biggest event in Central Alberta's History.

McPherson went on to explain the Games are about National Unity and Youth Development, "There an opportunity for our young athletes to get together in a multi-sport environment and it really is modelled after the Olympics."

Airdrie will be hosting the 2020 Alberta games and McPherson proudly states that Airdrie is more than welcome to use some of Red Deers facilities if they don't want to go through the capital expenditure "We've got transfer of knowledge in things that we can share in Red Deer with other communities that can help them as they begin to plan their own events."

 The Games only come to Alberta every 24 years, and McPherson says 100,0000 people will become more aware of Alberta, "They will leave Red Deer with a better understanding of what their fellow Canadians lives are like and that's an important part of the whole effort."

The Games will be welcoming 3,600 athletes, coaches and managers.

 

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