INNISFAIL – Preparations for the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer are underway.
Torch relay and celebration stops across the country have begun.
In total, there will be 26 torch relay stops and 22 celebration stops across Canada before the Games begin on Feb. 15
The final celebration stop will be in Innisfail on Jan. 30, 2019.
“The celebration stop can be a little bit different for each stop, depending on what that community wants to do,” said Jennifer Tibo, media and communications coordinator for the 2019 Canada Winter Games. “It’s a community celebration but it can be customized.”
The celebration stop will include the Canada Winter Games Torch but it will not include a torch relay, she added.
Local performers will also be part of the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer including several dancers from Joy’s School of Dance in Innisfail, and local artist Mary Anne Message from Dickson.
“I’m completely honoured. I was really shocked when I found out (I’d be performing at the Canada Winter Games),” said Message, noting she was asked to perform at a private function during the event.
She said it was great to see artists from the area be a part of the Canada Winter Games.
“This is an amazing way (for local artists) to get recognition and more local people involved, whether they’re a dancer, a singer or even a magician,” she said.
Joy McIlwain of Joy’s School of Dance in Innisfail confirmed that eight to 10 of the school's dancers have been chosen to perform in the opening ceremonies of the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
”They had to go into Red Deer to audition and they have different production numbers that they’ll be doing,” said McIlwain.
Dancers between the ages of 12 and 17 were divided into groups at the audition and several of them received callbacks before being selected at the end of October, she noted.
"They were so excited. (Knowing) they qualified for something like that, it just gave them a sense of accomplishment,” said McIlwain. “They are so thrilled to be chosen to be part of (the Canada Winter Games).”
Dancers will learn the basic choreography in Innisfail before going into Red Deer for extra practices and final preparations, she noted.
McIlwain said having the opportunity to audition for such a large-scale event was an experience in itself.
“They are young and being able to go through the whole audition process is such an eye-opener for them,” she said. “We practised different things in class to make sure they were ready and aware (of what to expect) before going to the auditions.
“It just prepares them for anything in the future. Even if it’s work in general and they go for a job interview,” said McIlwain. “It’s all preparing them for life experiences.”
