MASTERS OF CEREMONIES.
CityTV sports broadcaster Hugh Burrill, left, will be the emcee at the 2010 Ontario Winter Games opening ceremonies to be held at Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst on Thursday, March 4 at 7 p.m. Eastlink News sports broadcaster Randy Pascal, right, will be the master of ceremonies in Sudbury, at the simultaneous opening ceremonies event connected to Gravenhurst by satellite feed for the athletes competing in Sudbury.
Submitted photos
MUSKOKA — Organizers of the Ontario Winter Games opening ceremonies are geared up for a fun-filled kickoff that will focus on the thousands of athletes who are competing in the multi-sport event.
Danielle Millar, games opening ceremonies chair, said the wharf special event field in Gravenhurst is in great shape to host up to 5,000 people expected to turn out for the opening ceremonies for the March 4-7 games.
The weather continues to cooperate for on-the-ground preparations, she said.
Millar said a few hundred tickets are still available to members of the public who would like to attend.
Initially, the opening ceremonies were expected to be limited to the winter games participants and volunteers, but up to 2,000 tickets were later offered to the public.
As of Tuesday, Feb. 16, about 1,400 had been sold, she said. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at the Algonquin Theatre website at www.algonquintheatre.ca/events/WinterGames10.htm.
Residents surrounding Muskoka Wharf could receive free tickets the week before the opening ceremonies through a door-to-door campaign to notify neighbours of the event.
“There are going to be traffic delays and some noise disturbances, so this is a way to show how we appreciate the community support,” Millar said.
About 60 volunteers have signed up to help with the ceremonies, and Millar said the group could use a few more. Those interested in volunteering should email rsvp@2010ontariowintergames.ca.
Excitement is building as organizers count down to the big event.
“Everyone is in Olympic spirit right now,” Millar said. “For us who are planning the opening ceremonies, to see how the Vancouver 2010 opening ceremonies inspired people has inspired us to make it special for Gravenhurst as a community and also for the athletes.”
The 2010 Ontario Winter Games opening ceremonies start at 7 p.m. on March 4. For those who don’t attend, it will be the first games opener to be webcast on the Internet at www.2010ontariowintergames.ca. The opening ceremonies will also be broadcast by satellite feed to the contingent of athletes preparing for competition in Sudbury.
The evening begins with a parade of athletes onto the special event field from three directions. Participants will be welcomed by CityTV sports broadcaster Hugh Burrill, master of ceremonies in Gravenhurst. Eastlink News sports broadcaster Randy Pascal will emcee the Sudbury event.
The 75-minute ceremony will feature two sets by Stereos, an up-and-coming Canadian band. Nipissing University is presenting the band. Olympic bronze-medal kayaker Dr. Barbara Olmsted will assist in the presentation.
Welcome addresses, athlete’s and official’s oaths, plus a fireworks display will round out the evening.
Shuttle buses will be used to transport athletes. Police officers will be present to help with traffic flow.