Two weeks of sport excellence and cultural celebrations wrapped up on Saturday with the Closing Ceremony of the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alberta. Since February 15, over 3,600 participants, 5,000 volunteers and 20,000 visitors enjoyed 19 sports and 10 nights of cultural entertainment as part of Canada’s largest multi-sport and cultural event for youth.

“For the past two weeks, Red Deer and central Alberta have celebrated and enjoyed Canada’s largest multi-sport and cultural event,” said Lyn Radford, 2019 Games Board Chair. “Since we were awarded the Games in 2014, we have been focused on delivering a life-shaping Games experience for athletes, spectators and the community. As the Games comes to a close, I am proud to share we delivered on our vision thanks to the dedication of the volunteers, sponsors, and staff. Thank you to everyone who made this a moment to remember.”

"On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I congratulate all the athletes—as well as the coaches, officials and all those who supported them—on their performances, and wish them the very best in their future endeavors,” said the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, federal minister of Science and Sport. “Thank you also to all the organizers and volunteers for your exceptional efforts in contributing to this tremendous event."

“Alberta has been extremely proud to host the 2019 Canada Winter Games. Congratulations to all our young athletes, coaches and mission staff on their outstanding performances at the 2019 Canada Winter Games,” said Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism, responsible for sport in Alberta. “Congratulations, too, to the Canada Winter Games Host Society, The City of Red Deer and the more than 5,000 volunteers for putting on an exceptional event. This has truly been a team effort. Thank you for being tremendous ambassadors of our province.”

“On behalf of Red Deer City Council, The City of Red Deer and the citizens of our community, it has been a privilege to welcome our nation to Red Deer for the 2019 Canada Winter Games,” said Mayor Tara Veer. “We have been reminded that the maple leaf is unwavering in its ability to bring our country together.”

“Congratulations to the Host Society, volunteers and, of course, the athletes who wowed us with their commitment to excellence and sportsmanship,” said Evan Johnston, Chair of the Canada Games Council. “Because of everyone’s hard work and key partnerships, the Games in Red Deer will leave a lasting legacy of new and enhanced sport facilities, downtown revitalization, social legacy projects and a community pride that will benefit athletes and the broader central Alberta community for years to come.”

Alberta placed third over-all in medals and came in second over-all in Gold. The Alberta atheltes won 36 Gold medals, 33 Silver, and 31 Bronze. 

British Columbia placed 4th overall in medals, coming in third over-all for God. The BC athletes won 30 Gold medals, 28 Silver, and 29 Bronze. 

Two female athletes, Brooklyn Tews and Michelle Grisales, represented the Peace Country in the Canada Winter games this year. 

Brooklyn Tews is a hockey player from Beaverlodge and played defense for the ladies Alberta team. Brooklyn has been playing hockey since the age of four - ever since her dad bought her a pink hockey stick. She currently plays for the Edge Female Prep team. Brooklyn has received mutliple athletic awards, including the Marj McAusland award. Her goal for the Canada Winter Games was to win a Gold Medal, and she succeeded! Alberta won the Gold medal game on Saturday, March second, beating Quebec 2-1. 

Michelle Grisales is a judo athlete from Grande Prairie. Michelle has been in Judo since the age of six. Her dad first got her involved and today is her coach and personal hero. She is currently in the Hoku sei kan Judo club of Grande Prairie. Last year she was named the Judo Alberta U16 2018 Female Athlete of the Year. She placed first in multiple tournaments including the Canadian National Championships. Michelle won a Bronze medal in the Judo Individual - 52 kg Female category and a Gold medal in team competition. 

For more information on the 2019 Canada Winter Games, visit canadagames.ca/2019.