The Ontario Winter Games officially kick off in Orillia tonight.
The multi-sport event features athletes between the ages of 12 and 18, who will compete in 27 sports over the next four days.
Events will be held throughout Orillia, Barrie, Oro-Medonte, Rama and Severn.
Thanks to generous local sponsorships, admission to all sporting events will be FREE.
The Orillia 2020 Ontario Winter Games officially gets underway with a free kick-off event at Centennial Park starting at 6:30p.m., with pre-show entertainment followed by the athlete parade at 7p.m..
Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke will welcome the participants on behalf of the City, the host communities, and more than 800 volunteers who have donated their energy and expertise to ensure the success of these Games.
The 2020 OWG mural Inspired: The Road to Gold by local artist Craig Mainprize will be revealed during the event.
Festivities will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display.
In order to facilitate the event, the parking lots in Couchiching Beach Park, Centennial Park and at the Orillia Waterfront Centre from will be closed from Wednesday through Friday.
Competition venues are located throughout the region, including Rotary Place, Barnfield Point Recreation Centre, Orillia Bowl, Orillia Secondary School and Twin Lakes Secondary School in Orillia.
The city also hosted this event in 2018.
It's estimated the games will add nearly $5 million to the local economy.
Road Closures
The following streets will be closed from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2020:
- Bay Street from Borland Street East to Jarvis Street
- Jarvis Street from Bay Street to Canice Street
- Canice Street from Jarvis Street to the Terry Fox Circle
- Centennial Drive From Tecumseth Street to Lakeview Drive (after the Legion Parking Lot)
- Access to Canice Street from Brant Street East
- Tecumseth Street from Parkview Avenue to Canice Street
- Accessible parking for those associated with the games will be available at the Orillia Waterfront Centre. Vehicles must have displayed a valid accessible parking permit.
More than 5,000 spectators from all over province are expected to visit the Orillia 2020 Ontario winter games.
For more details on the Ontario Winter Games, please click here.
