Norman athletes competing at the Power Smart Manitoba Summer Games in Steinbach celebrated the official opening of the games at Steinbach Regional Secondary School Aug.7, entering behind the region’s flag-bearers Carissa Kennedy of Thompson.
More than 700 athletes from across Manitoba took part in the opening ceremonies the night before competition in the first phase of the games got underway. The Manitoba Games are the province’s largest ongoing multi-sport event and this year’s edition includes more than 1,700 athletes, coaches and managers taking part in 12 different sports up until the closing ceremonies Aug. 13. The games are split into two phases, the first from Aug. 7-10 and the second from Aug. 10-13.
Kennedy, who aims to improve her personal best records in high jump and swimming at the games, is the only Norman region athlete competing in both phases of the 2016 games.
“You represent the future of sport in Manitoba, and the next wave of excellence that we look forward to cheering for, not only at these games but in future national and international stages,” said Sport Manitoba interim CEO Laurel Read in an Aug. 7 press release.
Manitoba Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter sports, and each games involves more than 5,000 athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers.
