The Winter World Masters Games kick off in Québec City

This morning at the Québec City Convention Centre, the Winter World Masters Games were launched in the presence of Kai Holm, President of the International Masters Games Association (IMGA); Sam Hamad, Minister of Labour and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region; and Steeve Verret, City of Québec executive committee member responsible for sports, recreation, and community life.

“We are very happy with what the organizing committee has accomplished in just a few months to prepare this second edition of the Winter World Masters Games, which is sure to be a big success,” IMGA president Kai Holm enthusiastically declared “For the IMGA, Québec is the winter city of choice for these Games. We’re just a few hours from the first events, where hundreds of athletes from some twenty countries will compete at amazing venues. Beyond performing, the athletes will build new sports friendships and make lasting memories—which is what the Games are all about—while enjoying Québec City’s winter fun and attractions to the fullest.”

“Québec City is the perfect place for combining major sports events and the magic of winter,” said Steeve Verret, City of Québec executive committee member responsible for sports, recreation, and community life. “Everything is in place to make these second Winter World Masters Games a resounding success. I’d like to invite one and all to come out and cheer for the courageous athletes who’ll be giving their 110% in the hopes of taking home a medal. Through February 8, Québec City will be the stage for impressive feats by sporting men and women competing at a very high level!”

“We’re excited to host this competition here in the Québec City area,” said Mr. Hamad. “This sports event is another opportunity to showcase the city’s expertise in organizing international events and the warm welcome of its people.”

“It’s a pleasure to mark the opening of the 2015 Winter World Masters Games. The people of Québec City can rightly be proud of what the area has to offer athletes and winter sports fans,” said Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Québec. “May the competitions bring memorable moments of triumph, excellence, and mutual support. Québec’s legendary hospitality, as well as Québec City’s tourist and sports attractions, are sure to create wonderful memories for the athletes representing some twenty countries. I would like to congratulate the organizing committee and all the volunteers who helped make this major sporting event happen. Happy Games to everyone!”

“There’s a real sense of excitement in the air. The organizing committee and the specialists from the sports clubs and organizations in each discipline are all geared up for the start of competition,” said Mario Bédard, honorary co-chair of the Games. “The kickoff will be spectacular and unforgettable for the athletes and their entourages,” added Claude Rousseau, Québec Remparts president and honorary co-chair of the Games. “What a great showcase for Québec City! They’ll get to experience the festive, magical, and vibrant atmosphere of the Québec Winter Carnival during the opening ceremony tomorrow night in Bonhomme’s palace. They’ll wear their countries’ colors in the athletes parade from the Québec City Convention Centre to the site of the Carnival opening festivities. Everyone in Québec City is encouraged to come greet our visitors!”

Opening ceremony and athletes parade, Saturday, January 31, 2015

The opening ceremony will take place at Bonhomme Carnaval’s palace after a short athletes parade in the streets of Québec City, starting at the Convention Centre.

6:00 p.m.     Athletes and their entourages meet at Québec City Convention Centre

7:30 p.m.     Athletes parade leaves for Bonhomme’s palace

8:00 p.m.     Word of welcome by various personalities

8:10 p.m.     Athletes oath

8:15 p.m.     Québec Winter Carnival show

8:30 p.m.     Return to Québec City Convention Centre to continue the celebration in the Performance Lounge

About the Winter Games

Nearly 20 countries will be represented at the Winter World Masters Games in Quebec City, January 31 to February 8, 2015. Biathlon, curling, hockey, short and long track skating, marathon skating, downhill and cross-country skiing, triathlon, and snowshoeing (demonstration sport) will all be on the program. This is the second edition of the Winter World Masters Games, organized by the International Masters Games Association (IMGA); the first edition was held in Bled, Slovenia in 2010.