Rupert to Welcome the North in 2010

Prince Rupert has been chose once again to host the B. C. Northern Winter Games in February of 2010, the third time that the city has been tapped to put on the Northern Show.

Selecting Rupert for 2010 will tie the event in with the 100th anniversary of the city’s incorporation and should make for a rather busy year for the city.

The Daily News had all the details on its front page of the Tuesday edition.

CITY TO HOST THE 2010 NORTHERN WINTER GAMES
By James Vassallo
The Daily News
Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Page One

In celebration of Prince Rupert’s 100th birthday, the city will host the 2010 Northern
B. C. Winter Games.

“The 2010 Northern B. C. Winter Games are coming to Prince Rupert,” said Minister Olga Illich, Ministry of Tourism, Sports and the Arts, to thunderous applause this morning at the Museum of Northern B. C.

“I want to congratulate the people of Prince Rupert because they are the ones that are going to be putting this on.”

It was a vote of confidence in Prince Rupert from the games committee that the city has been selected yet again to run the event – Rupert hosted in 1999 for the 25th anniversary of the games as well as in 1981 and 1989.

“You’ve had the games and over the years show people the Northern Spirit,” she said.

Illich added that the games can also have a significant economic and social impact on a community, as the 1999 event contributed $850,000 to the local economy.

“It has a bit of an impact on the community, and obviously I think it will be even more in 2010,” she said.

“And that doesn’t include spin-offs … I’ve been blown away since I came here yesterday with the beauty of the area, all those people coming will be talking about what a great spot this is.”

The games also encourages volunteerism, build community spirit and encourage physical activity.

“As the minister responsible for the games, we’re very interested in making sure people are fit and active,” said Illich.

“It’s one of the goals of the Liberals to have the fittest province by 2010.

“Kids that participate in the games, not only are they the ones who may one day stand on an Olympic podium representing Canada, but it will also allow them to participate in sports and activities that are healthy for them.”

The initiative was spearheaded by Coun. Kathy Bedard and John Mullin, local curler.

“Prince Rupert (will) lead the charge, we’re going to start in the North and just spread out the enthusiasm and the challenges to the rest of the world,” said Bedard.

“It’s about partnerships .. We’ve reached out to neighbouring communities and they’ve said “we’ll help you” – it’s all about putting something together for the value of our young people and our older citizens.

In particular, city officials said the bid could not have gone forward without the willingness of the All-Native Basketball Tournament to work around the B. C. Northern Winter Games Schedule, and the support of the District of Port Edward.

“It’s important to me that we recognize, that while it’s Prince Rupert’s name on the games, it’s going to be Prince Rupert and Port Edward and the region that are going to benefit and share in this,” said Mayor Herb Pond.

The year 2010 is set to be one full of celebrations as it includes B. C.’s first Olympics, and local the 100th anniversary of the city, a number of local service clubs and businesses. It also represents the 50th year of the All-Native Basketball Tournament.

“It is our 100th birthday and we’re just going to make everything 10 times as large as it normally would be,” said Pond.

Minister Illich also announced that Dawson Creek would hold the 2008 games and the District of Mackenzie would hold the 2009 event. Rupert’s games take place Feb 4 to 7, 2010.