Games Bid Farewell to Nova Scotia
Published by 2011 Canada Games
Sunday, February 27, 2011
A Nova Scotia kitchen party closed out the Halifax 2011 Canada Games in true east-coast style. The closing ceremony ended two weeks highlighted by record-breaking sport action, sold out venues, selfless volunteerism, and a community spirit that was celebrated by the nation.
Quotes
“We end these Games with, above all else, pride and confidence. With the speed of our ice, quality of our snow and hospitality of our people, Nova Scotians came together like never before to do something our country can be so proud of.
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Jean-Paul Deveau, 2011 Games chair
“We set out with the goal of putting on a fantastic show for the rest of Canada, and we've done it. This has been an incredible two weeks for everyone, and the legacy of the Games will continue to benefit Nova Scotians through enhanced sports facilities and programming, and a revitalized volunteer base.
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Premier Darrell Dexter
“The government of Canada is proud to have supported the Halifax 2011 Canada Games. We thank Halifax Regional Municipality and the province of Nova Scotia for being wonderful hosts. We also extend our gratitude to the Host Society, staff, officials, coaches, parents, and volunteers for all they have done to make these Games a success. You have given the best young athletes from every province and territory the opportunity to shine, inspire, and encourage Canadians across the country to participate in sport.
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Gary Lunn, Minister of State (Sport)
“I want to thank the people of HRM for their incredible support of the 2011 Canada Games. Residents of HRM showed up in so many ways -- as volunteers, as cheerleaders, and as ambassadors. These Games engaged more people than ever before, and that is an amazing legacy for our community.
”
Mayor Peter Kelly
Quick Facts
- Team Ontario maintained its powerhouse status winning the Canada Games Flag. Flag points are awarded based on the performance and participation of all athletes.
- Team Nova Scotia was awarded the Centennial Cup for most improved team.
- The Jack Pelech Award was awarded to Team Nova Scotia for combining competitive performance, good sportsmanship, and a spirit of fair play, co-operation, and friendship.
- Games participants and visitors were treated to a celebratory send-off featuring music from Squid, Three Sheet, Radio Radio, Old Man Luedecke, and Mass Pipe and Drums.
- Sport venues have been recognized by national sport bodies, with particular compliments to the Canada Games Oval and the freestyle moguls at Ski Wentworth.
- The bilingual efforts of Games staff and volunteers were commended by Team Quebec and the delegation from Sherbrooke 2013, host of the next Canada Summer Games.
- The Host Society exceeded its sponsorship target of $8.2 million and its ticket sales target of $1 million.
- Attendance at sporting events was very strong, with sold-out events at almost all Games venues. More than 400,000 people have streamed Games action live on www.bellaliant.net.
- An estimated 50,000 people attended free concerts in Celebration Square at Grand Parade.
- The Games blog squad had a gold-medal-worthy performance, engaging a wide network of athletes, volunteers, and spectators using Games-related hashtags to identify photos, tweets, and videos.
- More than 16,000 conversations on twitter were ignited about the 2011 Canada Games.
- Throughout the two weeks of the Games, the Halifax 2011 Canada Games websites experienced more than two million page views.
- Closing out the ceremony, the Roly McLenahan torch was passed to Sherbrooke, Quebec, before the Games were declared over by Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis.
Learn More
Media Contact
- Melissa MacKinnon
- Halifax 2011 Canada Games
- 902-476-5677
- E-mail: melissa.mackinnon@canadagames2011.ca
