Only 500 days to go: Get in the Games!
March 21st, 2012
In 500 days, the Eastern Townships will move to the rhythm of the Canada Summer Games - Sherbrooke 2013. In 500 days, some 12,000 participants and 15,000 visitors will experience a unique event in our history. The community is, more than ever, encouraged to Get in the Games. Today, the Host Society took the opportunity to underline the support of very important partners, to officially launch the volunteer recruiting campaign and to proudly introduce our mascot for the event.
ESSENTIAL PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS
Mrs. Monique F. Leroux, President of the Canada Summer Games - Sherbrooke 2013 and President and CEO of the Desjardins Group, announced that Desjardins will proudly support this Canada-wide event and will contribute to help the organization with the recruitment of volunteers and with their educational program.
Mr. Bernard Sévigny, 1st Vice-President of the Games and Mayor of Sherbrooke, underlined the importance of full collaboration with the organizations and institutions of the region. “Since the start of Sherbrooke’s bid process, the community has supported the Games. This mobilization is now seen as one of the major strengths of the organization. We can count on the contribution of very important partners who have united their efforts for the success of this important event. We are grateful that they chose to invest their time and energies in this collective project. All those who wish to get involved will be welcome,” said the Mayor.
THE RECRUITING CAMPAIGN FOR VOLUNTEERS IS ON!
Mr. Tom Allen, Chairman of the Board and of the Executive Committee of the Canada Summer Games - Sherbrooke 2013, invited people who are looking for an exceptional life experience to sign up today as volunteers through the Games
website. “Join the 5000 volunteers who will be part of the greater Games Family. We need people who wish to contribute to the best of their abilities, who share our pride in the presentation of this event and who want to have fun.” There are three categories of volunteers, based on interests and availabilities: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Over the next few months, the Games team will participate in a number of events and festivals to help the population discover this unique opportunity and spread its enthusiasm.
THE MASCOT OF THE GAMES UNVEILED: THE HUMMINGBIRD, A TRUE ATHLETE!
The identity of the first accredited athlete for the Canada Summer Games – Sherbrooke 2013 is now known. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird will tour the region and promises to be in top shape from August 2 to 17, 2013. Although considered the smallest of our Quebec birds, this species of the greater hummingbird family is quite the athlete. The hummingbird can reach incredible speeds and he is the only bird capable of hovering in mid-air while staying perfectly still. When migrating, he can travel up to 1000 km without stopping. Well known for his ability to play the game well, he is curious and perseverant. The hummingbird is a symbol of freedom and joie de vivre and, like all athletes, he continually aspires to go higher and farther than before.
The only thing missing for our mascot is a name. Youth 21 and under are invited to enter our
contest (www.2013canadagames.ca) and propose a name before April 22. They could win a family VIP pass for the Games and sports apparel in the Games colours.
Just like our hummingbird, people are invited to take flight and live to the fullest the next 500 days leading to the Opening Ceremonies on August 2, 2013, when this unifying project will finally become a reality.