Sudbury’s Games set a benchmark

As Sudbury tries to catch its breath after a three-day-flurry of sporting activity that was the 2010 Ontario Summer Games, it’s time to reflect on and celebrate what we just pulled off.

More than 3,500 of Ontario’s finest young athletes competed in roughly 30 different sports, both as teams and individuals, over the course of three days. Just under 2,000 medals were awarded to these athletes — 22 of which stayed here in Sudbury.

And whether you could see them at the venues, or if they were working quietly behind the scenes, close to 1,000 volunteers ensured the event went off without a hitch.

“We had lots of very good volunteers who pulled through and did a fantastic job,” Dan Lee, Games co-chair, said. “I’d love to thank every one of our volunteers personally and shake their hand because they made it.”

Preparations for these games began back in 2008. It’s been two years of preparing venues, soliciting volunteers, acquiring support and grooming athletes for the main event that would be all over in just three days time.

Sudbury welcomed those thousands of athletes to our own backyard, and we could do so with our heads held high.

While the residents here may have been inconvenienced during preparations for the Games, with field unavailability, game relocations, as well as construction and renovations, when it was all said and done, the venues being used across the city were in top condition.

“The athletes I spoke with said the venues we have are superb venues,” Lee said. “They loved them.”

Over the course of the three days of competition, I had an opportunity to speak with coaches, athletes, volunteers, parents and spectators, and the general vibe was of appreciation and enjoyment.

“All the comments I’ve heard, all came back positive, and anything that wasn’t positive was beyond our control and minor in nature,” Lee said. “There were no big problems we had to be really concerned with, so it made the Games go by very quickly, unfortunately.”

The support within the community for the entire event was evident at the opening ceremonies, held at the new community track at Laurentian University on Aug. 10. The sheer numbers of family, friends, and sports fans packing the stadium was an incredible sight to see.

“The droves of support that came out to the opening ceremonies, I was really impressed with that,” Lee said.

“All in all, I think Sudbury did it again,” he added. “We’ve been the benchmark of many Games in the past. I’d like to think this is going to be another one.”

The Games also left an impression on the Sport Alliance of Ontario, the governing body behind the event.

“There is an obvious passion for sport in the community,” said Crystal Peiris, games consultant, Sport Alliance of Ontario, in an e-mail to Northern Life following the Games. “The 2010 Ontario Summer Games proved to be an incredible experience for athletes from all over Ontario. All of the sports involved commented on how the City of Greater Sudbury had really set the bar high for our future hosts.”

As with Lee, the volunteers stood out in particular for Peiris.

“One of the most noticeable things about Sudbury was the kindness of volunteers and their willingness to help visitors to the community,” she said. “Each and every person involved played a role in making this event come together. It was humbling to see the hard work and commitment from the community.”

The city, our volunteers and the athletes who wore our colours, deserve a pat on the back for a job well-done.

Laurel Myers is Northern Life’s sports and lifestyles editor.