After more than two years of planning, the Renfrew County 2023 Ontario Winter Games (OWG) officially open tonight.
Opening ceremonies will be held outdoors at Ma-te-Way Park in Renfrew February 2 beginning at 6:30 pm. Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather.
The ceremony will feature the athletes’ parade as participants are led into the stadium by the pipes and drums and colour party.
The ceremony will open with a land acknowledgement, traditional smudging and drumming. Following a torch parade, the cauldron will be lit and the festivities will culminate with a fireworks display.
The OWG will draw more than 3,000 young athletes, coaches and officials from across Ontario to compete in more than 20 individual sports over the next two weekends, February 2-5 and 9-12.
Deep River was originally scheduled to host either or both of the Judo or Wushu (kung fu) competitions at Mackenzie Community School, but both events have since been rescheduled to take place in Renfrew and Arnprior.
A number of events including Artistic Swimming, Futsal, Badminton, Kickboxing, Sledge Hockey and Squash will take place in Petawawa, while Pembroke will host Curling and Wrestling.
Full details of the sports and schedule can be found on the Games website at renfrewcounty2023.ca.
“We are really proud of the work of our volunteers over the last two years to present the best games ever, which truly will represent our community,” said Renfrew County Warden Peter Emon.
“We are excited to welcome athletes, officials and guests and encourage them to come and enjoy some Renfrew County hospitality.”
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