The City of Prince George will put in a bid for the 2030 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.
City Council approved the bid at last night’s (Monday) meeting.
“We weren’t even sure if we could pull this off, we had 30 days,” said Director of Civic Facilities and Events Andy Beesley.
“What happened was nothing short of awe inspiring, it started as a small group of people and then almost overnight it turned into a committee and then really legitimately a community effort.”
This summer, Prince George will also host the Special Olympics BC Summer Games, which Manager of Event Services Debbie Heywood said will lay the foundation for an even more extraordinary event in 2030.
“With 1,700 athletes participating, our commitment to excellence, and the lessons learned this summer will allow us to truly deliver a remarkable event filled with pride, unity and celebration,” she said.
Heywood added there will likely be less than one bid per province from other communities.
“I’m very sure with the team we’ve already assembled, it will be a successful bid,” said Mayor Simon Yu.
“We as a Council, Mayor’s office, we will do whatever’s necessary to support you to make sure we will win the bid.”
City Council also approved funding for $400,000 as well as $100,000 in kind. They also approved the responsibility of financial deficit associated with hosting the games, if any.
“When we met with Special Olympics Canada, they confirmed there’s never been a deficit in any of their games,” Heywood said.
“The last two Special Olympics Canada Games, Thunder Bay and Calgary, they each raised over $1.5 million, just in the sponsorships, a lot of that also has to do also with the national partnerships that the national Special Olympics partner with.”
If Prince George is shortlisted, Special Olympics will come to the City for a site-visit in the spring. An announcement on the host city is expected in the Summer.
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