Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Winter 2010/2011 | Page 38

FEATURE

the competition at the Games. Why
all these seemingly warmer weather
pursuits? “The Canada Games is very
much about equality,” says Morrissey.
“Sports for each individual Games are
selected by the Canada Games Council
approximately five years in advance.
Along with presenting a dynamic field
of sports, there is also a mandate to
ensure that there are an equal number
of male and female competitors, and
that all provinces and territories, along
with people with physical disabilities,
are represented.”
Along with the differences in sporting
events, the 2011 Canada Games will
present a much different demographic
than does the Olympics. Of the athletes
expected in Halifax, it is estimated that
the age range will be between 13 and
21, with the average age being 17. Most,
91 percent, are full-time students who,
like Katherine Short, are juggling school
and athletics and hitting the gym, slopes,
pool or arena any moment they can.
And, with athletes from 800 Canadian
communities represented, most of us
will have a hometown hero to cheer on.
A CITY COMING TOGETHER
The City of Halifax is the largest city
to ever host the Canada Games and,
as such, has a lot to live up to. While
considerable work has gone into
building a permanent infrastructure of

venues that will be availed by athletes
for generations to come, there is one
temporary venue, built on an area
known as the Halifax Common, which
has local residents on sheer ice. Since
December, enthusiastic skaters from all
walks of life have had the opportunity
to experience the Canada Games
outdoor long-track speed-skating
oval firsthand. The temporary venue,
with an ice surface equivalent to three
NHL hockey rinks, has been open to
the public for free public recreation
programs and special events. Once
competition begins on the oval,
spectators will have an opportunity to
see the events free of charge.
“Our goal is to make this the ‘cool
games’,” says Morrissey, “very relevant,
up-to-date and engaging for the
community. Long-track speed skating
is a sport not many Nova Scotians have
seen in person so we want the Halifax
Common and the speed-skating oval to
be hopping with activity leading up to
and during the Games.”
So, if, on February 11, you are not out
fishing for giant lobster or celebrating
with Jennifer, tune in to TSN and RDS
to watch as these 2,700 proud athletes,
who have the sore muscles and blisters
to prove their dedication, put their
hard work to the test. Will a new Sidney
Crosby or François-Louis Tremblay
emerge? See for yourself.