Steinbach Mayor Chris Goertzen, joined by Jeff Hnatiuk, President and CEO of Sport Manitoba, Pat Kirby, Senior Games Manager, Sport Manitoba, and members of the 2016 Steinbach Host Society Executive Committee signed the official agreement for the 2016 Power Smart Manitoba Summer Games which will be held in Steinbach in August 2016. The Steinbach Host Society Executive Committee was also presented with an operating grant of $50,000 from Sport Manitoba.
“Being host community to an event of this magnitude is an incredible opportunity for Steinbach,” said Mayor Goertzen. “We look forward to preparing for these exceptional Games, and showcasing our community to the rest of the province.”
“Sport Manitoba is thrilled that our relationship with the City of Steinbach and the 2016 Host Society is now official,” said Jeff Hnatiuk, President and CEO, Sport Manitoba. “With this first funding installment the Host Society can begin the exhilarating and challenging task of organizing a first class event for our province.”
“The Power Smart Manitoba Games provides us with the opportunity to build community partnerships and strengthen provincial unity,” said Ben Rinas, Energy Services & Sales Department, Manitoba Hydro. “We are pleased to continue working with Sport Manitoba and the Manitoba Games Council, and are also excited to work with the 2016 Provincial Host Society, Steinbach.”
“The Power Smart Manitoba Games play an important part in the development of Manitoba’s young athletes,” said Trish Enns, Steinbach 2016 Co-Chair for the Games. “These Games will bring forth future stars of tomorrow and will also showcase our local schools, facilities and the strength of our community. The 2016 Steinbach Manitoba Games Host Society is thrilled to be ‘racing to the finish line’ to make Steinbach the place to be in August 2016.”
The $50,000 grant is the first payment of a $75,000 operating grant received with approval of the Host Society’s Business Plan. A $75,000 capital grant is yet to be received as well.
The Power Smart Manitoba Games are the province’s largest ongoing multi-sport program bringing together participants from across the province. The Games are held every two years and alternate between summer and winter sports events. Each set of Games involve upwards of 7,500 athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers. Steinbach’s successful bid to be the Host Community for the 2016 Power Smart Manitoba Summer Games was announced in June 2014.
