Prince George officially welcomed the nation Friday night, as the Opening Ceremony officially kicked off the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
CN Centre was packed with athletes from every province and territory, their families, volunteers, and members of the community who just came to watch the big show.
Team BC enters the arena to a chorus of cheers.
Premier Christy Clark even made an appearance.
“We see a city full of young people who are striving for greatness and we are so very proud of you,” she says. “Today in our midst, we have future Olympians, who will stand on the word stage and give us all even more reason to cheer.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper sent his words of encouragement via a pre-taped message.
“To all of the outstanding young athletes, work hard, have fun, and know that all Canadians are behind you,” he says.
The festivities began earlier in the afternoon, with the torch run from Canada Games Place downtown to CN Centre.
Prince George MLA Shirley Bond was the first to take the Rory McLenahan Torch.
It wasn’t just CN Centre enjoying the games either, as crowds gathered downtown at the Games’ plaza to watch the ceremony on two big screens.
The ceremony was also broadcast nationally on TSN.
(Photo courtesy Canada Winter Games).
Now the sporting events begin Saturday, with Freestyle Skiing at Tabor Mountain, Alpine Skiing at Purden, Women’s Hockey at Kin 2, and Speed Skating at the Ice Oval.
(Photo courtesy Sarah Henkelman).
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