The thousands of athletes, managers and coaches who participated in week two of the 2019 Canada Winter Games packed the Centrium Saturday night for the official closing ceremony.
According to a release Team Alberta had their best-ever performance at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, earning 100 medals, including a record 36 golds and finishing third overall.
“Congratulations to all our young athletes, coaches and mission staff on their outstanding performances at the 2019 Canada Winter Games,” said Ricardo Miranda, minister of culture and tourism, responsible for sport in Alberta. “Congratulations, too, to the City of Red Deer on hosting an exceptional event.”
Team Alberta’s performance earned them 36 gold, 33 silver and 31 bronze medals at the Games, which were hosted in Alberta for the first time in more than 20 years (Grande Prairie, 1995).
“We couldn’t be prouder of Team Alberta’s performance and the outstanding job both they and the community of Red Deer did in representing our province at these Games,” said Dr. Stephen Norris, chair of the Alberta Sport Connection (ASC). “For many of our athletes these Games were an important step in their journey to represent Canada at future international competitions, and we look forward to supporting them in the years to come.”
Alberta is in the house. Red Deer, your support made the difference for these athletes. Thank you! // L’Alberta est là ! Red Deer, votre appui a fait la différence pour ces athlètes. Merci! #cwg2019 #jdc2019 #cestnotremoment #thisisourmoment pic.twitter.com/vVL5EOoSyH
— 2019 Canada Games (@2019CanadaGames) March 3, 2019
The ceremony featured the parade of athletes as well as musical performances by Red Deer’s Kayla Williams, country music star Gord Bamford and singer-songwriter Scott Helman, among others.
– With files from Team AB
Spectators join in by holding up phone flashlights during musical performances. Robin Grant/Red Deer Express
Red Deer’s Kayla Williams serenades the athletes and crowd in the Centrium. Robin Grant/Red Deer Express
Spectators join in by holding up phone flashlights during musical performances. Robin Grant/Red Deer Express
Canada Winter Games Board Chair Lyn Radford talks about the success of the Games in Red Deer. Robin Grant/Red Deer Express
Ontario singer-songwriter Scott Helman closes out the ceremony. Robin Grant/Red Deer Express
Country music star Gord Bamford performs at the closing ceremony. Robin Grant/Red Deer Express
