Prince George welcomes the world tonight as the opening ceremonies for the World Para-Nordic Skiing Championships get underway.
It’s now being held at the PG Conference and Civic Centre after being moved from Canada Games Plaza due to the colder weather.
Organizer Kevin Pettersen told My PG Now he can’t hide his excitement any longer.
“It’s the point we have dreamt about for the past three years, everything is coming together and we’re really excited and in some ways, I’ve asked them to leave the opening ceremonies as a surprise for me. All I know are some of the opening elements.”
Pettersen believes the venue change won’t hinder the atmosphere one bit.
“Many people who have been to events at the civic centre have really seen the civic centre become magical with the displays that they do and it will be equally as amazing.”
The decision to move it indoors was made in the best interest of everyone involved.
“We really want to put the athletes and the volunteers first and ensure that we’re not putting them in a cold situation, particularly when they have to compete at the highest level the next day.”
He adds the community support that’s been shown over the past three years leading up to the event has been amazing.
“This is one of those things where the community really gets together and really gets behind it. I had high expectations and this has really exceeded my expectations.”
The ceremony begins at 7pm.
Over 100 athletes from 19 countries will be participating from the Caledonia Nordic Ski Centre until the 24th.