The 2019 Canada Winter Games begin today in Red Deer, Alberta, and among the 350-member Team Ontario are three local athletes.
Today, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Michael Tibollo, shared the roster of athletes and congratulated those competing in the Games.
“I would like to congratulate all of Team Ontario’s athletes, and wish them the best of luck at this year’s Games. They are Ontario’s best and the entire province can’t wait to see you compete,” he said in a media release.
Huntsville-area athletes Cole Patey and Connor Punnett, both hockey players, and Natasia Varieur, a biathlete who now lives and trains in Whistler, will represent Team Ontario in their respective sports. (Read previous Doppler stories about them here: Connor and Cole, Natasia Varieur)
Team Ontario is led by Jennifer Bennett, who resumes the role of Chef de Mission for her second consecutive Canada Games. “I am honoured to once again lead a talented and committed Team Ontario at the Canada Games,” Bennett said in the release. “Our goal is that Team Ontario members perform to the best of their ability while upholding Team Ontario values. By doing so, I am confident that our team will have many standout performances, personal bests and podium finishes.”
The Games are held every two years, with participation from every province and territory in Canada, and alternate between winter and summer.
Fans can catch the Games on TSN/RDS and online through Sports Canada TV.
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“I would like to congratulate all of Team Ontario’s athletes, and wish them the best of luck at this year’s Games. They are Ontario’s best and the entire province can’t wait to see you compete,” excellent indeed ??? #local #athlete