Opening ceremony begins at 7 p.m. - Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013 set to open!

SHERBROOKE, QC, Aug. 2, 2013 /CNW/ - Thousands of participants, volunteers, visitors, and residents will gather together, starting at 7 p.m., for a memorable experience: The opening of the Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013! "The dream that has inspired and motivated us for many years is now a reality," remarked Monique F. Leroux, President of the Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013 and Chair of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Desjardins Group. "We are proud and honored to welcome Canada to our region for this great celebration of amateur sport!

Since the initial Games' bid efforts and the announcement of the host city in 2009, the community has banded together and been deeply involved in helping produce a top-notch Summer Games. "We are grateful to the 5500 volunteers and our esteemed partners who believed in this project and so ardently supported it. Their collective efforts mean that starting today, we can be part of an event that leaves its mark on the history of the region, Quebec, and Canada," said Tom Allen, Chair of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013.

"All the preparation and hard work of so many has certainly culminated into the growing awareness of the Canada Games in the heart of Sherbrooke, the province of Quebec and even across all of Canada," said Tom Quinn, Chairman of the Canada Games Council. "This is truly a wonderful day in the lives of these young athletes who will be competing and representing their province or territory with the greatest of pride and determination. Congratulations to the Host Society of Sherbrooke for a job well done with all the preparations for these Games. "

"Right here, in just a few hours, the best young athletes from every province and territory will reach the highest levels of competition in Canada. Their achievements will be a source of pride and inspiration for all Canadians," said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). "Our Government is proud to support this major sport event, which will bring significant economic benefits for the region. I invite Canadians across the country to get in the spirit of the Games and cheer on our athletes in their pursuit of excellence."

Some 3400 athletes from 13 provinces and territories will be competing in 20 sport disciplines at the Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013 from August 2 to 17, 2013. The one-of-a-kind event will bring together 12 000 participants, including 5500 volunteers, and will attract more than 15 000 visitors.

Sherbrooke will be the first city in the province of Quebec to host the Canada Summer Games, which features the future generation of national, international, and Olympic champions. The cities of Magog and Coaticook will also be hosting sport events.

"It's an honour for Quebec to host this major sport event, which showcases the excellence of our up-and-coming athletes," said Marie Malavoy, Minister of Education, Recreation, and Sports. "I would like to extend a warm welcome to the 3400 athletes and chaperones who are here at the Games. May the Games be played in a spirit of pride and achievement."

"This major Pan-Canadian sport event is an outstanding showcase for Sherbrooke, Coaticook, and Magog. We are proud of our sports facilities which will be enjoyed by Sherbrooke and Eastern Townships residents for many generations to come," said Bernard Sévigny, Mayor of Sherbrooke and First Vice-President of the Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013.

Notable innovations
Perseverance, personal achievement, and pleasure are all values that served as a guideline for the Host Society of the Canada Summer Games-Sherbrooke 2013. This edition of the Games features many innovations and "firsts":

• A major educational project was set up in schools in the area;
• A Torch Relay was run in 30 Quebec cities and towns and a Regional Torch Relay will end at the Opening Ceremony;
• An office of the ombudsman was established for volunteers;
• The Games are sustainable, Fair Trade, and Carbon-Care certified;
• The Closing Ceremony will be free for everyone.

Canada Games flag relay
The official Canada Games flag has been making its way across the country since June 10. The flag has been to each of the former Canada Games host communities before arriving at the Université de Sherbrooke stadium this evening. The flag's itinerary provides the opportunity to commemorate the role that former host communities played in Canada Games' history and their legacy. Thousands of former volunteers, employees, partners, and friends took part in this relay and are now eagerly waiting to see the flag raised during the Opening Ceremony.

Attend the events!
Seize the opportunity to see the athletes in action by purchasing tickets online at www.2013canadagames.ca. You can also check the full sport competition and cultural activity schedules on the Web site and through the "jcg2013" mobile app.

VIVEZ les Jeux! LIVE IT!

Image with caption: "Sylvie Bernier, Jennifer Heil and Annie Pelletier proudly holding the official 2013 Canada Summer Games medals (CNW Group/Canada Games Council)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130802_C3408_PHOTO_EN_29490.jpg

SOURCE: Canada Games Council

Geneviève St-Denis, Manager - Communication Services, Canada Summer Games- Sherbrooke 2013
Cell: 819 212-5925 - [email protected]