It’s been four-and-a-half years since Red Deer first learned it would get the Canada Winter Games – years that now seem to have gone by in an instant – but years that were filled with planning and preparation. After so much work by so many people, this community is ready. And Red Deer College (RDC) is ready.
As a competition venue, RDC is being showcased on the national stage when it hosts five competition events in our new Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre. In week one of the Games, we will have hosted wheelchair basketball and speedskating – short track. In week two, there will be badminton, figure skating and squash.
I had an opportunity to see competitions in these sports earlier this fall, when RDC hosted Pre- Games events leading up to the Winter Games. What I saw was incredibly talented young athletes who were at the top of their sport. Coaches, parents and spectators were using our new centre – many for the first time – and the feedback they gave was that it was an incredible facility, and they couldn’t wait to come back for the Games.
Beyond competitions at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre, RDC will have another major role during the Games when we host all 3,600 competitors at the Athletes’ Village. Each week of the Games, there will be about 1,800 athletes living on our main campus. They will eat, sleep and live at Red Deer College, including in our new residence.
Outside of the competitions and the training that happens during the Games, there’s a mini community formed when people from across the country come together and live in the same place. This community will have its home in the Athlete’s Village, and we’re very pleased to host such an important part of the Games. It is only possible because of extensive work and planning on part of our leadership team, the Games Host Society, our residence staff, Olds College and our students.
An event of this magnitude won’t likely happen again in our region for a generation or more. Whether it’s volunteering, watching events or enjoying the arts and cultural activities happening throughout the city, please take every opportunity to enjoy all the Games have to offer.
I look forward to seeing you at Red Deer College and throughout the community during the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
Joel Ward is president and CEO of Red Deer College.
