Hundreds expected for 2027 Special Olympics Ontario Winter Games

We’re learning more about the 2027 Special Olympics Ontario Winter Games, which are being hosted in North Bay.  

That includes the early estimate of the games’ economic impact on the area.  

North Bay Police constable Merv Shantz, games manager, presented to council on Tuesday night.  

“Conservatively, each team member that comes to the Special Olympics in a town brings $1250 in economic benefit to the city,” he says.  “If you look at 500 team members this would bring over $625,000 into our community.” 

Shantz says the committee has been tasked with raising $500,000 to host the games on Jan. 28-31, 2027.  

He says that covers lodging, meals, venues, transportation, and daily expenses.  

While they are fundraising and looking into grant opportunities, Shantz says they’re asking the city for an in-kind donation.  

“The use of Memorial Gardens for five days, for the opening and closing ceremonies and the use of the new twin pad community centre for five days, for figure skating,” says Shantz. “The total cost of the venues for us would be approximately $50,000-$60,000 and that’s 10% of our total budget.”  

Cross country skiing will take place at the Nordic Ski Club, curling at the Granite Club, alpine skiing at Laurentian Ski Hill and snowshoeing at Nipissing University.  

About 700 volunteers will also be needed for the games, with an official launch expected in January.  

Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years.  From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.