The North West District Spring Games is an annual event and yearly highlight for many of the participating athletes and coaches. The competition, hosted in Thunder Bay, brings together the communities of the far northwest in friendly competition and celebration.
Five communities (Dryden, Marathon, Red Lake, Terrace Bay & Thunder Bay) and over 300 athletes make the trek, some from as far as 575km from home to compete in 5-pin bowling, 10-pin bowling, and swimming. Accommodating for a winter storm in the area, athletes from Kenora, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sudbury participated in this year's event virtually, creating unique competition opportunity. For many athletes in the North West, this is their only in-person competition opportunity of the year.
SOO-Dryden athlete Jordan Pitchenese said, “it was such an honour to attend the regional games for my first time ever. I had lots of fun, loved meeting new people, especially the ‘Sports Boss,' Jarrod. I look forward to going again and am thankful to have been welcomed into the Dryden bowling club with open arms.”
Each year, the event is culminated with a high-energy banquet and dance. This year’s theme was Mardi Gras, and the creativity of our athletes was put on full display. Following years of the event not running due to COVID implications, it was incredible opportunity for athletes to re-connect and celebrate their achievements.
“I love seeing all my friends from other communities I have met over the years,” said Christine Tetley, another athlete from SOO-Dryden. “I was very excited to see my coach, Nancy [McKercher], and teammates from Team Ontario from when I went to Calgary for the National Games. I plan to work super hard at the next regional games in hopes [of achieving] another goal like I did this year: getting to go to Nationals.”
Speaking to the importance of the event, bowling tournament organizer Nancy McKercher shares that “it’s about creating a memorable experience for athletes, coaches, friends, and families; about focussing on creating a fun and positive environment and providing a friendly competition amongst all. And, most importantly of all, ending the tournament with a night of dancing and a great meal!”
Hosting an event of this magnitude takes a passionate team, from facilities and officials to local volunteers arranging catering and decorating the banquet hall. Leading that charge has been Denita Minoletti, Event Coordinator with SOO-Thunder Bay, and a recent recipient of the King Charles Coronation Medal, who reflects on the impact of hosting this event:
“Hosting the annual regional North West Spring Games has been a pleasure for 20+ years for SOO-Thunder Bay. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and excitement to be able to invite and host all the athletes, coaches and families from the North West District here to Thunder Bay to compete and enjoy an evening banquet with great food, fun and friendships.
The excitement the annual competition brings to all athletes is exhilarating. There is nothing more pleasing than to see the joy and smiles on the faces of the athletes, the cheers during competition, the new friendships being made, the bravery and pride they all show while competing. Thank you to everyone who makes this annual event possible!