That's a wrap.
The Manitoba Summer Games, Powered by Manitoba Hydro, are in the books and now, we all have an opportunity to look back at the week it was in Dauphin and the area. Clayton Swanton and Carla Wolfenden joined the CKDM Morning Show featuring Justin Allin and Darnell Duff on Tuesday morning to wrap up the week-long event.
Manitoba's biggest sporting event featured over 1500 athletes, 300+ coaches and managers, 100+ officials, and over 750 volunteers. It was a week to remember, and Clayton and Carla opened up Tuesday by thanking the volunteers.
"They stepped up hugely. The ones that volunteered stayed longer, did more shifts, and pitched in anywhere that was needed," offered Wolfenden. "We can't thank the volunteers enough."
2024 marked the first time in two decades that Dauphin hosted the Manitoba Games after hosting a successful event in 2004. Eight venues played host to events this year, Vermillion Sportsplex, Credit Union Place, the Myles Haverluck Athletics Facility, the Dauphin Curling Club, Northgate Trails, Riding Mountain National Park, Manipogo Provincial Park, and the Gilbert Plains Country Club.
"I think we showcased why the Manitoba Games are so important," said Swanton. "We hope that we have set a pretty good example for Thompson as they will host the 2026 Winter Games. We are thrilled that athletes from across the province had this opportunity to compete."
It was a great week for Team West, finishing with 78 medals, the third-most. They finished just four behind Winnipeg Gold. Team West included more than 60 athletes from the Parkland, many of which claimed a medal.
Being from Dauphin, Wolfenden was so proud of every athlete from the region.
"I was so happy to see so many Dauphin and Parkland athletes in the Games," said Wolfenden. "When Team West walked into Credit Union Place for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, it was a big team. I got a little emotional seeing them all. It's about achieving the next level and this is just the start for many of the athletes."
In closing, Clayton and Carla wanted to thank every volunteer, every fan, every official, and everyone who was involved in the event. It was a great success and once again, it's Parkland Strong.
"We had a vision in our heads and it came out even better," ended Wolfenden.
"Our team was fantastic all week, we problem-solved and achieved amazing things," ended Swanton. "It was fantastic to be a part of such an incredible team. I think we're all going to be sad not working together in this capacity moving forward. It was a pleasure to work with the entire crew."
