Your McMurray Six On / Six Off

1.

Off: Yawn. More sports in Wood Buffalo.

On: Are you kidding me? Thousand of athletes, coaches, officials and spectators from across the nation coming here to celebrate excellence in sport and get to know our community? This is way more than “just sports”.

2.

Off: Big deal, they will see our community. Why does that matter?

On: Every single person we get into our region has the potential to change the narrative about Fort McMurray and our region. Instead of reading lousy, one-sided and biased magazine articles they are getting to meet our people, see our communities and feel our energy.

3.

Off: Yeah? And what’s in it for us?

On: Well, besides the potential to change that narrative, we get to see some of the finest young athletes this country has to offer as we showcase our region and communities to them. Not only will they go home with unforgettable memories of their time here, but we will be making those memories of our own, too.

4.

Off: Ok, isn’t this just a sport event, though?

On: No! The Western Canada Summer Games includes spectacular events like the opening and closing ceremonies as well as live entertainment. This is a community celebration – and a celebration of a region that has been planning this event for years.

5.

Off: What do you mean planning this for years? That seems like a lot of work.
On: Not weeks, not months, but years in the planning, the Western Canada Summer Games have been a journey for this entire region. From the very first days and the bidding process to host the games to the announcement that the games had been secured for our region to the final notes of the closing ceremony, this has been an adventure for hundreds of community members who have been there every step of the way to guarantee its success. And yes – it has been a lot of work, too, some of it done by paid staff but much of it relying on the contributions of volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to this event.

6.

Off: Still seems like a lot of hoopla and hype. What does it really mean for YMM?

On: Besides the unforgettable memories made, the creation of new ambassadors for our region and a national spotlight on our communities and people? It means a great deal for our future because it shows the potential and opportunity of this region. It may help us to attract new residents and retain the ones already here – and it opens the door to future events like this one because we will have developed the skill, knowledge and expertise necessary to host a prestigious event like the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games. No hoopla, no hype – just another one of those amazing things that were once a dream and will soon be a goal accomplished by the proud, hard working, energetic and dedicated people of Wood Buffalo.