Marilyn Turp & Serge Sabourin – Photo 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Thousands of visitors have descended on the City of Prince George for the Canada Winter Games and at least two greatly appreciate the warm welcome they’ve received so far.

250News caught up with Serge Sabourin and Marilyn Turp with the Quebec Gymnastics Federation after the first weekend of competition.

“The people are really nice, very welcoming,” says Turp. “Everybody talks to us and it makes our stay more enjoyable.”

Sabourin, who’s attending his 6th Winter Games in Prince George, says they’d both been going flat out since arriving Friday night.

“This is the first time we’ve had a little break and we wanted to see the village (Canada Games Plaza). We appreciate a lot the place and the people.”

As for the quality of venues in Prince George, Turp notes they’re are up to standard.

“Yes, they are mostly. When we travel Canada and go to different competitions it’s mostly the same so yes it compares to other competitions around Canada.”

Both have been so busy they haven’t had a chance to enjoy the nightlife so far but Sabourin says they received a special treat as their plane landed Friday night.

“We missed the opening ceremony but we saw the fireworks as we landed from the air.”

He says things got even better Sunday.

“Yesterday our girls won the gold so it’s a good start.”

Both return to Quebec February 26.