Orillia is getting ready once again to host the province's top young athletes.
On the heels of successfully hosting the Ontario Winter Games in 2018, local organizers have been busy preparing for an even larger event this time around.
Today at 5:30 p.m., dignitaries, volunteers, sponsors and citizens will gather at the Orillia Waterfront Centre for the 100 Days Out event, marking the countdown to the 2020 Ontario Winter Games, which will take place Feb. 27 to March 1.
In addition to remarks from Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke, Jed Levene, chair of the Games Organizing Committee, and provincial officials, the Ontario Winter Games flag will be raised at the event's headquarters at the Port of Orillia.
In addition, decorated local athlete Domenick Ritchie will provide the keynote address.
The Twin Lakes Secondary School student, who won a silver medal at the Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Association (OFSAA) wrestling championship earlier this year and also won a silver medal at the 2018 Ontario Winter Games, will talk about his experience as an athlete at one of the largest multi-sport events of its kind.
While the 2018 Ontario Winter Games were a big hit, the 2020 edition of the winter spectacle is expected to be the first Games in history to be at capacity.
That means officials expect about 3,500 athletes aged 12-18 will be coming to the region to participate in 27 sports. Those sports will be held in venues throughout Orillia and Barrie, as well as Oro-Medonte, Rama and Severn townships.
Thanks to support from generous community businesses, there is no admission fee to watch any of the events.
It is estimated that about $5 million in economic impact will be concentrated within the five communities hosting the Games.
The Orillia 2020 Ontario Winter Games is also expected to attract an additional 5,000 spectators from all over Ontario.
According to the Games website, "Orillia was chosen as host due to its premier sport venues, engaged community with outstanding civic pride and willingness to work with all levels of government."
