HEADS OF ONTARIO 55+ WINTER GAMES COMMITTEE CHOSEN

GAMES SET FOR FEB. 6-8, 2024, IN ORILLIA

The dates for the next Ontario 55+ Winter Games in Orillia have been set for Feb. 6-8, 2024.

The city is building a team to lead the organization and delivery of the games. Jenna French, a local business owner and representative on the Downtown Orillia Management Board, will serve as chair of the organizing committee, and Will LaFrance as the general manager.

"Jenna French is a wellrespected local business owner and community leader, and the City of Orillia is extremely pleased to have her lead the games organizing committee," Mayor Don McIsaac stated in a press release.

"There is no doubt this event will once again unite the community, while providing immediate benefits to the local economy."

French and LaFrance will lead a committee comprised of community volunteers and representatives from the city and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

"The Orillia 2024 Ontario 55+ Winter Games is such a wonderful event that celebrates the 55-plus population while showcasing our unique and amazing city," said French. "I am so pleased and honoured to not only be a part of an event of this magnitude, but also to work with such a great group of dedicated and respected community

volunteers to bring it all together."

The city, which estimates a need for more than 300 volunteers for the

event, is recruiting people to serve on various planning committees, including finance, sponsorship, special events, accommodations,

medical, operations, and food and beverage. Community members can find an application form at orillia.ca/55OWG.

The games will bring more than 1,000 participants to Orillia and Lake Country to compete in a variety of events, including hockey, curling and skiing. The full list of sports will be made available once sport selection has occurred between Games Ontario and the Ontario Senior Games Association.

This will mark the third time Orillia has hosted such an event. Previously, the city welcomed the 2018 and 2020 Ontario Winter Games, with the events combining to contribute more than $10 million in economic activity to the region.

For more information, visit orillia.ca/55OWG, or follow the games by searching for @orillia2024 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.