THUNDER BAY

The 2020 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games will attract over 1,200 athletes, coaches and mission staff from across the country.

Estimated Economic Impact of 2020 Games: $5.4 million +

“Hearts of Gold” has been selected as the bid theme to highlight Thunder Bay’s community spirit and the fact that 2020 is the City’s 50th Golden Anniversary year. Imagine the community pride if Thunder Bay hosts these Games in 2020 as part of our 50th birthday celebrations!

The Special Olympics Canada Games began in 1974 and are the national multi-sport Games for athletes with an intellectual disability. The Winter Games are held every four years and were last held in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland in 2016. The event qualifies and prepares athletes for the World Games.

Proposed dates are: February 25 to 29, 2020

The Games include 8 sports:

• Alpine Skiing
• 5-pin Bowling
• Cross-country Skiing
• Curling
• Figure Skating
• Floor Hockey
• Snowshoeing
• Speed Skating

In 2011, Thunder Bay played host to a highly successful Special Olympics Ontario Winter Games, which brought over 400 athletes to the city to compete in alpine and Nordic skiing, figure skating, speed skating, snowshoeing and curling. This event injected considerable energy into an already successful community program. Since hosting those Games, Special Olympics in Thunder Bay has witnessed a 130% growth in athlete numbers and a corresponding increase in our volunteer base. In the past five years, five additional sports has been added. Imagine how well local Special Olympics will do if we host a National Games!