Ontario Winter Games kick off in Renfrew County
The 2023 Ontario Winter Games got underway in Renfrew County on Thursday with a pair of local athletes looking to chase gold in their hometown.
"It's crazy. We were shocked to hear that it was here but we're so excited," said twins Alexis and Jaidyn McGuire.
The 16-year-olds from Arnprior were selected as two of the best under-20 ringette players in the province. Both sisters were also named to the same team among the six that were formed.
The ringette competition is being held at the Nick Smith Centre in Arnprior, where the McGuire twins have played hundreds of times over the last 13 years.
"It's great. This is where they started out was in Arnprior, back in bunnies, so back when they were three and four years old," Jo-Anne McGuire told CTV News.
"So it's great that it's come full circle and they're back in Arnprior to compete at this level."
Ringette was one of two events to kick off the 2023 edition of the Ontario Winter Games, along with futsal which is being hosted in Petawawa.
The games will feature 22 events taking place over a two-week span in nine different communities across the region.
Renfrew County Warden and chair of the 2023 Ontario Winter Games Peter Emon says the event is one of the biggest and most complex the county has ever hosted.
"It's the first of its kind that's been held here and I think it's the first in Ontario in terms of complexity and holding it over two weekends, the nine different communities that are hosting it," Emon said.
"Nobody has done it quite like that before."
By the end of the two weeks, over 6,000 participants and visitors are expected to come into Renfrew County, generating roughly $6 million for the local economies.
"I've already heard from a lot of local restaurants and hotels," says Emon. "All the rooms are booked up; people are reserving times in restaurants."
Due to the spread-out nature of the events, two opening ceremonies will be held in Renfrew at Ma-Te-Way Park. The first is Thursday, and the second is Thursday, Feb. 9.
Local Olympian Melissa Bishop-Nriagu has been named as ambassador for this year's events.
"It's great, not only for our local athletes that are going to be competing but for any athlete competing," says Tina Hunt, chair of special events for the games.
"It just goes to show that across various areas, whether it be the country or the province, that they can strive to be that and strive to work towards that."
It was a positive start to the competition for the McGuire sisters, with their Black Team winning their opening game 3-2.
The twins are hoping a gold medal win in their home arena will help propel them to greater success in their ringette futures.
"I think just we're going out there and trying our best," said Jaidyn. "You never know the outcome, so I think just ending every game knowing you did your best."
"And having fun," added Alexis. "Having fun for sure."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.