Requests for decisions have already started for the new Town of Ponoka council and this time it’s to sponsor the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.
Council was presented with some ideas Oct. 24 of what sponsorship of $51,000 ($17,000 for the next three years) could mean for the town. Presenting was Lyn Radford, chairperson of the 2019 Canada Winter Games, and Steven Kwasny, manager of partnerships and specials events for the games.
“We’re expecting 20,000 visitors to the area and we’re expecting over 100,000 (attendees),” explained Radford, also pointing out this will be one of the largest events in Alberta’s history for some years.
She says there are one million athletes working on being part of the Canada Games, which is all part of an athlete’s overall development for sports. This is an opportunity for people to see the Canadian up-and-comers in the world of Olympic athletics as well.
“The economic impact is estimated at $132 million,” said Radford.
She says the town will be showcased at a special festival in Red Deer should it sponsor the games. Kwasny added that they expect thousands to attend these festivals.
How the committee could work with the town, if it becomes a sponsor is when and where to showcase the community.
“And then of course there’s the webcast opportunities and web presence,” said Radford, adding that the town’s brand would be part of that.
No decisions were made at the meeting.