If there is enough public interest, Thunder Bay could host the Canada 55 Plus Games in 2014 or 2016,says the city’s special events developer.
City officials held its first of two public presentations at the 55 Plus Centre Wednesday morning with the second to follow at 6:30 p.m. The presentation includes a slideshow for the public about the Canada 55 Plus Games.
Special Events Developer Paul Burke said they wanted public input on whether or not the city should place a bid to host the games in 2014 or 2016. The games would take place sometime in August over three days and feature active and inactive sports, he said.
"Thunder Bay is in a great position to host these games because we have all the facilities and we’re right in the middle of Canada," Burke said. "These games attract participants from all over the country. We’re looking to see if there is community interest to form a committee to go after these games."
The games started in 1980 and varied in activities from five-pin bowling, golf, and curling to games such as contract bridge, arts and craft and Scrabble.
Burke said back in December 2008, city council endorsed the idea to pursue the bid as part of the sports and activities policy, which included the 2011 Special Olympic Winter Games. While the games seemed like a good fit for the city, it will only enter a bid if city officials conclude there is community interest in hosting the event.
A possible date for the games has not been set, but some residents attending Wednesday morning’s presentation said they believed Thunder Bay should host the games.
Jessica MacRae, community relations manager with Chartwell Select seniors home, said there is strong interest in the games coming to Thunder Bay.
"I think this will be a fantastic venue for the city," MacRae said. "I think there is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the area as well as the town. There are a great deal of wonderful athletes who are 55-years-old and plus. I have a handful of folks in mind that could participate."
MacRae said she’s done some research on the games and found that most cities that host them received a healthy number of participants.
