By Sam Cortes, Communications Coordinator
As the sun dipped closer toward the horizon, Credit Union Place (CUP) began to fill with smiling faces and hopeful athletes. The opening ceremonies of the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games powered by Manitoba Hydro had finally arrived after six years since the initial host announcement, marking the start of an unforgettable celebration of athleticism and community spirit.
The ceremony kicked off with a spectacular parade of athletes, each team striding into the arena and proudly wearing their regional colours. The athletes, representing their sports and six regions across the province, were greeted with thunderous applause. The energy and enthusiasm set the tone for the days ahead.
The ceremony included elements that showcased local culture and artistry, like the Mackenzie Middle School (MMS) drumming group, minecraft venue tour from Macneil Gamers Esports and Student Ambassadors, Trey Negrych singing O Canada, and a shout out from TikToker Luke Davidson. We had an address from Knowledge Keeper Rolanda Chartrand, and heard opening remarks from the Honourable Glen Simard, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Dan Mazier, MP for Dauphin, Swan River, and Neepawa, David Bosiak, Mayor of the City of Dauphin, and Jeff Betker, the Vice President of External & Indigenous Relations and Communications at Manitoba Hydro.
Oaths for athletes, coaches, and officials were read by Nathan Zadarozny, Yvonne Rempel, Morgan Fleck, and Ruth Dandeneau, in a pledge to uphold the ideals of True Sport and sportsmanship. As the opening ceremonies drew to a close, the Games flag was raised and the ceremonial lighting of the cauldron signaled the official start of the Games in a unique way with a torch relay featuring Tammy Mahon and Brigette Lacquette.
The co-chairs of the 2024 Manitoba Games Dauphin Host Society, Carla Wolfenden and Clayton Swanton, delivered a moving speech, with Clayton’s six-year-old daughter, Charlotte, officially declaring the Games open with a cheerful “Let the Games begin!” to the crowd.
Congratulations and good luck to all the athletes, coaches, and officials on your Games journey, and a massive thank you to volunteers and sponsors who’ve played an integral role in making this event a reality. Let’s go – it’s Games time!
