ONTARIO

Collingwood gears up for Ontario Senior Winter Games

The Town of Collingwood is in high gear with preparations to host Winterfest 2000, the first ever Ontario Senior Winter Games. Senior amateur athletes, 55 years of age and older, from across the province will descend on Collingwood March 5 to 7 to compete in seven sporting events: hockey, Alpine skiing, curling, Nordic Skiing, skating, badminton and volleyball.

The government of Ontario has provided $200,000 funding for the Games, which are expected to be a major boost to the local economy, with the influx of over 400 athletes and participants. Winterfest 2000 was developed during the International Year of Older Persons, 1999, to promote increased physical activity among adults 55 years of age and older. It is a joint initiative of the Ontario government, the Ontario Senior Games Association and the Town of Collingwood.

“Ontario is a strong supporter of this pilot project to expand the Senior Games Program to include winter sports,” said Helen Johns, Minister responsible for Seniors. "The province is very proud of its active older adults and their desire to lead a healthy and active lifestyle."

The Town of Collingwood was selected as the host for the Ontario Senior Winter Games because of its existing sports venues, its experience in hosting world-class sporting events, and its exceptional volunteer network. Collingwood Mayor Terry Geddes said, “We’re excited about the opportunity for Collingwood to showcase another set of provincially significant games. With everything Collingwood has to offer, it was a natural choice for this inaugural event.”

The Winterfest 2000 website contains more information about the Games and can be accessed at: http://www.town.collingwood.on.ca/winterfest2000.