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It's Flin Flon's turn once again to the host the Norman Winter Games. This January, athletes will be taking up residence in town for three days as Flin Flon puts on the variety of events. The City of Flin Flon's Recreation Department is currently working on a list of sports to submit to Sport Manitoba for confirmation. Each community hosting the event is expected to host certain sports as well as two of their own choosing. In the next two weeks, Recreation Director Brenda Russell says, the list will be sent to Sport Manitoba. From there, she hopes to hear back about the list within two weeks. While sports like hockey and skiing will be included, Russell says as of right now, she doesn't know what age groups will be participating. Both youth and adult athletes are encouraged to participate in the events; however, only certain sports are available for both age groups. Having the Norman Games return to Flin Flon after four years will give the city a chance to show off its facilities and volunteers, says Russell. "It's a great opportunity," she said. "And obviously, it's an opportunity for athletes to perform at home." But aside from that, Russell says she sees the biggest benefit coming to the community. "I think one of the bigger benefits of hosting the Games is that it brings the community together," she said. In 2007, the last time the Winter Games were hosted locally, close to 500 athletes arrived to compete. This coming year, Russell hopes to see a comparable number. "It's very popular with the remote communities in all the sports," she said, adding that Norman is a large region. "It's a big region and that's the challenge Ð transporting athletes to Flin Flon, or any host community. Some have to travel by train and winter roads, so there are some challenges with that," Russell said. The Norman Winter Games will take place January 28-30, 2011. Over the course of the next four months, the City of Flin Flon will be looking for volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Aimee Deans at 681-7542.
