April 29, 2013 (Winnipeg. MB) – At a formal announcement this afternoon in Winnipeg, the Canada Games Council and the Province of Manitoba named the City of Winnipeg the host of the 2017 Canada Summer Games. In just over four years, the City of Winnipeg will welcome the country’s best young developing athletes to compete in 20 selected sports representing the best that their Province or Territory has to offer.

“What an exciting day for the community of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba,” said Tom Quinn, Chairman of the Canada Games Council. “The 2017 Bid process was detailed and thorough and Winnipeg’s bid was successful. Building equity in the Canada Games depends on upholding the integrity of the hosting standards. We would also like to thank the Province of Manitoba for all their support and encouragement throughout the bid process and the City of Winnipeg for their evident enthusiasm.’’

The host community announcement was made at the Forks in front of a supportive Manitoba sports community, Canada Games Council Board members, political figures as well as many students. Manitoba Premier, Greg Selinger addressed the crowd as well as Winnipeg Mayor, Sam Katz who took to the podium to react to the news that Winnipeg was hosting the 2017 Games.

“Manitoba’s reputation for hosting major national and international sporting events is second-to-none,” said Premier Greg Selinger. “Athletes and families from across Canada will be treated to Manitoba’s legendary hospitality, world class facilities and exciting new attractions as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canada Games.”

“We are so pleased with today’s announcement,” said Mayor Sam Katz. “Winnipeg is going to do a phenomenal job hosting the Canada Summer Games and we can’t wait to welcome the nation in 2017.”

In January of 2012, at an official bid process launch, the Canada Games Council embarked on a bid process to select the host of the 2017 Canada Games. In December of 2012, following a comprehensive evaluation of a single bid, the CGC Bid Evaluation Committee and the CGC Board of Directors found the Brandon bid to be deficient in numerous areas and was rejected.

In January 2013, following the confirmation from the Province of Manitoba the intent to submit a compliant bid that meets Hosting Standards in and around the City of Winnipeg, the CGC then undertook a new comprehensive evaluation of the new bid.

After the site visits, a final Bid Evaluation Committee Report specific to the Winnipeg Bid was presented to the CGC Board of Directors on April 25, 2013, adopted by the Province of Manitoba and announced publicly on April 26, 2013.

With the Winnipeg Bid now officially approved, the planning and preparations for the 2017

Canada Summer Games will now begin. Having hosted two previous Games in Brandon, the 1979 Canada Winter Games and the 1997 Canada Summer Games, the 2017 Canada Summer Games will mark the third time the Games are hosted in the province of Manitoba.

“These 2017 Games are of special importance and significance since they will mark the Canada Games 50th anniversary as well as mark the 150th celebration of Canadian Confederation,” said Quinn. “The Canada Games Council is confident that the 2017 Canada Summer Games will make for a sensational event and look forward to further engaging with the City of Winnipeg in the preparation of these Games.”

The Winnipeg bid community will begin its work to transform into the aforementioned Host Society, responsible to plan and stage this prestigious event. An immediate focus will be to debrief with the Canada Games Council, begin the incorporation of a Host Society, select key leadership positions, and identify key representatives to attend the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, August 2-17, 2012, to take advantage of the mentoring program offered by the Council.