Bid Was Learning Opportunity

By 250 News

Members of the Bid Team for the 2011  Western Canada Summer Games meet with reporters   

Members of the team which put together the bid for the 2011 Western Summer Games are offering thanks to all who helped in the effort and congratulations to the City of Kamloops. 

The Premier announced on Saturday that Kamloops would host the games which are expected to pump $10 million dollars into that area’s economy.  At the time, the Premier said the games continued Kamloops reputation as a tournament host City.

Mayor Colin Kinsley says” I’m sure it was a difficult decision for the judges, and we know Kamloops will do a great job in hosting the games.”

The Bid Team Leader was Councillor Don Bassermann  says the process was a valuable exercise that could pay off in the end. “Everyone who assisted with this bid should be very proud of they work they did. It was a first rate package put together by amazing people with an incredible passion for this community.”

At a news conference this morning, the team was asked what impact it will have on Prince George that the Premier of the Province described Kamloops as the “Tournament City” Mayor Colin Kinsley says  he  doesn’t  think it will  hurt  P.G’s efforts  on future bids. " We’ve done some national events,  and we will continue to bid on them and hope for the best.  The two communities  have been in competition for various  national and western Canadian events over the years and I’m sure that rivalry will continue."

The Bid Team will meet with the site Selection Committee this week and gain some pointers on the best parts of the bids, and where improvements could be made.  The Team plans to use that information as it prepares to go after the right to host the Canada Winter Games in 2011.

Mayor Kinsley says hosting such events  are a wonderful opportunity to showcase not just the community’s ability to  host  events, but as an opportunity to showcase what a great place Prince George is to live. " These events are also an opportunity  to  attract investment, and to recruit  people." 

The team says it will  now focus on making the 2008 B.C. Senior Summer Games a success.  That event is set to take place in Prince George in September of next year.  There is also a bid  being developed to host the 2008 Western Canada Artistic Gymnastics Championship.  Events P.G.’s Virginia Sprangers has also said they are interested in going after the 2011  Canada Winter Games.

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