A seven bed emergency room set up on Red Deer College’s campus. A section of the campus has been dedicated a medical wing with chiropractors, athletic therapists, massage therapists, psychologists and sociologists. Photo by Kaylyn Whibbs/Sylvan Lake News

A seven bed emergency room set up on Red Deer College’s campus. A section of the campus has been dedicated a medical wing with chiropractors, athletic therapists, massage therapists, psychologists and sociologists. Photo by Kaylyn Whibbs/Sylvan Lake News

Red Deer College transforms into Athletes’ Village

Red Deer College’s campus will be home for the athletes during the 2019 Canada Winter Games

Red Deer College’s campus has been transformed into Athletes’ Village for the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

The Mayor of Athletes’ Village gave a private tour to members of the media Feb. 15 providing a one time opportunity at a look inside.

What is normally classrooms and lecture halls have been turned into meeting spaces for teams, coaches and volunteers.

A section of the campus has been set aside as a medical wing with athletic therapy and physiotherapy, chiropractors and a room set up like a mini seven bed emergency room.

On site there is also massage therapy, which has been popular with the athletes so far, as well as a psychologist, a sociologist and concussion specialists.

Residences, which are off limits due to privacy, are free of students and are home for the Games participants for the next few weeks.

The athletes have access to food through the dining hall and are provided breakfast no matter how early they have to rise to get to their competition.

The village also provides a “pack up” option for those who need to bring a meal with them to the venue.

The college’s common areas, like the Far Side Bar and Grill have been transformed into hang out areas for the athletes.

In the village there is also a spot for coaches to go and relax as well as learn. The coaches area will feature talks from several special guests to speak on the transition from athlete to sport leader.

The 2019 Winter Games officially begin tonight, Feb. 15, at the Opening Ceremony in the Centrium at 6:30 p.m.


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