We Powered The 2024 Manitoba Games and provided memories that will last a lifetime for athletes, families and the city of Dauphin.
More than 1,500 athletes, 300 coaches and 750 volunteers took part in the weeklong event.
The games kicked off on August 11 with a spirited opening ceremony at Credit Union Place for excited young athletes, families and the general public. Representing the culmination of years of hard work for both athletes and organizers, the opening ceremonies were filled with excitement in the air.
Louie the Lightning Bug joins athletes as they make their entrance during the opening ceremonies.
During the opening ceremonies, Jeff Betker, Vice-president, External & Indigenous Relations and Communications, gave tribute to the many volunteers in Dauphin and beyond who made the event a reality.
“To the parents, community leaders, retirees, students, local businesses and everyone in between, your willingness to give your time and your heart to this event is a testament to the strength and unity of Dauphin, Manitoba. You’ve shown that when community comes together, we can achieve great things,” he said.
“As Title Sponsor, Manitoba Hydro is proud to play a role in supporting your efforts to make these games a success.”
Jeff Betker (Vice-President, External & Indigenous Relations and Communications) address the crowd assembled at Credit Union Place on Aug. 11.
Enlarge image: A man speaks at a Manitoba Games podium on a stage decorated with balloons.
Discussions for the Dauphin games first took place in 2017, when the Manitoba Games were originally scheduled for 2020. While the pandemic cancelled the 2020 event, much of the groundwork from those games helped to establish the 2024 edition of the event at the same site.
“The Manitoba Summer Games is an incredible opportunity for amateur athletes in Manitoba. I have no doubt I witnessed a potential Olympian in the making. Everywhere I looked, I saw kids smiling and having the time of their lives,” said Tara Kendzierski, Community Investment.
On August 13, Dauphin Customer Service Centre hosted a Customer Appreciation BBQ as part of the Manitoba Games festivities.
Hydro workers and customers chat as we serve food at the Customer Appreciation BBQ.
Enlarge image: A man serving food chats with a customer over a table of hotdogs and chips.
District Support Representative Lynn Wetherill (Parkland West) was one of several employees who presented medals to young athletes at the games. She said the games were a big boost for the community.
“I think this great for Dauphin. It brings so many more people into town, which means more money being spread around the community. It’s great for local businesses and all of the little shops here,” she said.
Lynn Wetherill shakes hands with a gold-medal athlete at the medal presentation.
We will be leaving a “Legacy Gift” in the way of energy upgrades for the Rugby Field at the Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School; a new tradition that we are excited to continue for future host communities.
“Dauphin officially passed the Manitoba Games torch to the City of Thompson for the 2026 Winter Games. We are excited to continue our title sponsorship and applaud the community of Dauphin for hosting such a successful event!” Tara said.