There are just 10 days until the biggest multi-sport event in Orillia’s history begins. With that in mind, BarrieToday will help you get ready for the 2018 Ontario Winter Games.
Monday, Feb. 19
While Orillia is the host of the 2018 Ontario Winter Games, which will feature more than 3,000 athletes aged 12 to 18, the whole region is playing a part in the four-day event.
The Sunshine City will host eight of the Games' 25 sports. Orillia Bowl will be the site of the five-pin bowling competition, while Barnfield Point will be home to both curling and wheelchair curling. Rotary Place will welcome figure skaters from all over the province, while Brian Orser Arena will be used for ringette. All three local high schools are also key host sites. Wrestling will be held at Twin Lakes Secondary School, weightlifting competitors will muscle their way into Patrick Fogarty Catholic Secondary School and Orillia Secondary School’s gymnasiums will host Ontario’s best fencers.
Horseshoe Resort in Oro-Medonte Township will be the headquarters for the cross-country skiing and para-Nordic skiing competitions, while the Rama MASK will be centre ice for the men’s hockey event and target shooting.
Gravenhurst’s Graeme Murray Arena, named in honour of one of Canada’s top sledge hockey stars, will be the host site for sledge hockey, while synchronized swimming will happen just down the road at the Bracebridge Sportsplex. One of the Games’ most unique sports, Wushu, will be played at Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School. The Canada Summit Centre in Huntsville will host the speed skating competition.
Midland will also be a busy spot. Boxing and kickboxing competitions will be hosted at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, while judo will take place at St. Theresa’s Catholic High School. Blue Mountain Resort/Craigleith Ski Club will host alpine skiing, para alpine skiing and snowboarding.
Barrie is also involved. Badminton will be contested at the East Bayfield Community Centre, while the Barrie Athletic Club will be home court for squash and St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School will welcome wheelchair basketball competitors.
