The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer Flin Flon welcomed athletes from all over the North as the city hosted the Nor-Man Regional Winter Games this past weekend. Over 230 athletes were in the community competing in darts, coed volleyball, men's basketball and badminton. Due to the cold weather, the scheduled cross-country skiing events were cancelled. Brenda Russell, Nor-Man Games coordinator, said with a laugh it was the "right decision," as the weather was too cold. Nonetheless, athletes had fun in the events that did proceed. With the skiing aside, Russell says the weekend was "overwhelming" in a good way. She says with the support of the community, the athletes, the volunteers, and the enthusiasm, it was just an overwhelming experience. "There were no major issues or concerns throughout the weekend," said Russell. "There was lots of exciting and good competition and lots of fun was had." Planning for the Nor-Man Games began in September, when word was first announced that Flin Flon would be hosting this year's event. Flin Flon last hosted the Winter Games in 2007. 'Opportunity' "The opportunity for all the athletes to get together to compete was great for everyone," said Russell, former recreation director for the City of Flin Flon. "All the games were exciting and all the athletes showed great sportsmanship." Along with sportsmanship and a great weekend of competition, the Nor-Man Games also left the athletes and teams with a great sense of sport development. "Sport development continues to go forward in our region," said Russell. "The outcome of these events, like the Nor-Man Games, is so positive for sport development." See 'Athletes...' on pg. 9 Continued from pg. 4 When they weren't competing at either Hapnot Collegiate, Ecole McIsaac School, Creighton Community School or the Legion, athletes were welcomed into Ruth Betts Community School for the Athletes Village. A few teams took up the offer while others stayed at local hotels. With only one team backing out at the last minute, due to the weather, Russell said it was a testament to the northern athletes to compete in the less-then-perfect conditions. Following a tough day of competition, the athletes and volunteers gathered at the R.H. Channing Auditorium for a Games Ceremony. Similar to an Opening Ceremonies concept, the host committee welcomed all to the community and encouraged everyone to compete at their best level. Local musician Kevin Imrie sang O Canada, as RCMP officer Erin Witta was dressed in her Red Serge. CFAR's Dallas Clarke emceed the event as dignitaries were called to the stage to address the athletes. As well, the host committee was brought to the stage and acknowledged for their hard work. "The Games ceremonies were something new that the host committee wanted to try," said Russell. "The response from the athletes was favourable." Following the speeches, those in attendance were treated to both pizza and entertainment. Carley Belfry and Darren Sancartier sang a few songs to end out the night and were later joined by Ryan Rajczakowski to form the band the Step Brothers.
