Prince George, B.C.-The work done so far on the  Canada Winter Games,  is paying off.

In an update to Prince George City Council, Society Chair, Anthony Everett, says he can’t go anywhere without people talking to him about the Games. The test events that have been held at many of the venues are being praised by participants.  “We are already having people tell us they want to come back.”

In a presentation to Prince George City Council, the call for volunteers continues, and is moving towards the 4500 target.  Latest count has the number of volunteers at the 3,000 mark.

The business side of the Games has the fundraising efforts well underway “We are well in advance of the business plan we had developed” says Everett.  He says they have already secured 89.5% of the fundraising challenge.  Everett says no Games Society has achieved this level of funding commitment at this point leading up to the Games. “The Board is not satisfied with the amount of funds we have raised, but we are comfortable with where we are now.”  Finances are top of mind says Everett, as any shortfall would have to be covered by the City.

All the  final  arrangements are being made for the torch relay that will start  at  Canada Games Plaza on November 4th, and will then  travel throughout BC during the final 100 days leading up to the Games.

So, the Games focus now is on the following:

• Raising private sector funding
•  Maintain control on operating expenses
• Volunteer Recruitment: Getting the numbers we require to host (more than 400 signed up in March)
• Secure & safe athlete accommodations, services & village
• Cultural support with the Arts & First Nations programming
• Business readiness in Northern British Columbia
• Leaving legacies for Northern British Columbia
• Completing the test events & preparing to host the Games
• Managing risks & emergency preparedness