Shauna Quinn, chair of the 2020 Alberta Winter Games Society, presented an update on preparations for the multi-sporting event, which Airdrie will host Feb. 14 to 17, 2020.
With a little more than 100 days before the opening ceremony, Quinn told council preparations are coming along.
“It’s been really exciting to see how many people have been invested in making sure this is a great opportunity for our community,” she said.
To raise awareness of the event, Quinn said, the games society aligned itself with 10 community events and initiatives throughout the summer, including airdrieFEST, Music in the Park, the Mayor’s Run, the Mayor’s Golf Tournament and others.
The organization also hosted its first official event – the Torch Relay Run – Aug. 24.
Recently, the City paid for a billboard advertising the games along the QE-II, between Airdrie and Balzac.
Digitally, Quinn told council, the event’s social engagement on its website and social media platforms has picked up in recent months.
“Through our Facebook, we’ve reached over 18,000 people,” she said.
“We’ve also started an Instagram page that has more than 780 followers.”
According to Quinn, preparations will ramp up Nov. 16 – 100 days before the games kick off – with the start of a campaign she called the “Airdrie Experience.”
“[The campaign] is bringing together local influencers through social media and community engagement, that will be helping to bring Airdrie 2020 to the residents and the businesses,” she said.
Looking ahead, Quinn said, recruiting volunteers for the four-day event will be an important task.
“Volunteers contribute more than double the cost of what staff do, so it’s really valuable for all those who have been involved,” she said.
“We realize the time and dedication they put in, and the work.”
