THE BIG EVENT.
Dan, the bassist for Stereos, plays for the crowd during the opening ceremonies at Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst Thursday night.
Photo by Allyson Snelling
ONTARIO WINTER GAMES
MUSKOKA — The excitement was palpable Thursday night as athletes paraded onto the special events field at Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst for the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Ontario Winter Games.
Athletes were clearly pumped to be in Muskoka, as they celebrated to the sounds of the crowd-rousing Black Eyed Peas song I Gotta Feeling, as well as two sets performed by Stereos.
The Edmonton break-out band, who won the first season of MuchMusic’s disBand reality show, was chosen as the games headliner by local high school students.
The entertainment was sponsored by Nipissing University.
Delighted youngsters Shelby Yeoman and Skylar Roy came from Bracebridge to see the band. So did Bracebridge high school graduates Jess Manion, Jenna Mackinnon, Kendra Straats, Sarah Mackie and Sarah Kelly.
Orillia wrestling competitors Katy Waite and Regina Martinez said the half-dozen songs by Stereos was their favourite part.
“And the confetti at the end,” Waite added.
The opening ceremonies kicked off four days of contest in 26 sports. Muskoka played host to the games this year. Sporting competitions were held at various venues across the district.
An estimated 1,500 medals were awarded to youths ages 11 to 22.
Thousands of athletes, coaches, support staff, volunteers and spectators descended on Muskoka Wharf at dusk for the opening ceremonies.
A group of Penetanguishene teens saw the night as a treat for volunteering at the games.
“It’s the excitement of everything,” Kaitlyn Geere said about offering her time. “I’m looking forward to attending events all around the district.”
Athletes participating in four sport events in Sudbury participated in the opening ceremonies through a video simulcast. In Gravenhurst there were some sound difficulties receiving the simulcast, but athletes in Sudbury were visible on two large screens flanking the stage. During the ceremonies in Gravenhurst, an athlete and child were also reported missing, but successfully located.
An official welcoming by local and provincial officials and presenting sponsors was followed by the reading of the athlete’s oath by Gravenhurst boxer Logan Patricio. Hockey official Don Collison of Bracebridge read the official’s oath. Jillian McDougall of Huntsville sang O Canada.
The crowd cheered as Minister of Health Promotion Margarett Best opened the games.
The evening ended with a fireworks display over Muskoka Bay.