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Airdrie to bid for 2015 Western Canada Summer Games

Airdrie will put its name in the ring to host the 2015 Western Summer Games. City council supported the submission of a bid to host the Games, Nov. 15.

Airdrie will put its name in the ring to host the 2015 Western Summer Games.

City council supported the submission of a bid to host the Games, Nov. 15.

Alderman Allan Hunter said he was involved in the 1983 Games and was excited about the prospect of the competition coming to Airdrie.

“Many of these athletes go on to be Olympians,” he said.

“I think it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase not only the city of Airdrie but the athletes we have here.”

Kim Harris of the City’s Community Development department said hosting the Games provides an opportunity for local businesses including hotels, restaurants and gas stations.

“It is a unique opportunity to promote community development,” she said.

Shane Esau, a member of the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games Bid Committee, said the Games are an amazing event for local athletes.

“I have taken part in two Games in Saskatchewan and Calgary and this is a one-of-a-kind experience,” he said.

“Airdrie has most of the facilities for the sports already in place and would only have to partner with Calgary for a few such as rowing and canoeing.”

The Games features 18 sports including artistic gymnastics, badminton, basketball, cycling, golf, judo, soccer, women’s softball, swimming, tennis, trilithon, volleyball and wrestling.

Some existing Airdrie facilities will have to be upgraded to accommodate the sports.

Although the exact cost of the Games will not be known until later in the application process, the event is funded 50 per cent by the province, 30 per cent by the municipality and 20 per cent by the host society.

Harris said the economic spinoff of the Games is estimated to be about $10 million. The committee will come back to council in February or March with more concrete numbers.

The Games include 2,300 athletes in the age range of 13 to 23. The 10-day event requires about 3,000 volunteers.

Esau said businesses in Strathcona County and Kamloops supported the Games and raised close to $3 million for the event.

Alderman Ron Chapman said he was present at the first Games in 1975 in Regina.

“I would love to support the bid for the Games,” he said. “It is a fantastic opportunity.”

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