Greater Victoria is throwing its hat in the ring to host the 2020 North American Indigenous Games.
B.C.'s capital is in the running to host the event, which would bring 5,000 athletes to the region, against other Canadian cities including Ottawa, Halifax and Winnipeg.
A news conference announcing the region's intention to bid on the games drew a who's who of local sports figures and politicians, including representatives from the Victoria Shamrocks and Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence, Tourism Victoria and several mayors from the Capital Regional District.
The games are hosted every three years and feature athletes competing in a number of sports including archery, badminton, basketball, lacrosse and soccer.
The Songhees Nation is partnering with the region to bid on the games, which it says will bring economic opportunity.
"Bringing the North American Indigenous Games to Greater Victoria in 2020 will not only be a defining showcase of athleticism and culture, it will be a significant economic generator for the entire region," Songhees Nation Chief Ron Sam said in a news release
The 2017 NAIG in Toronto generated $18-million in economic spinoffs for the Greater Toronto Area, according to SportHost Victoria, which is also partnering with the region to try to land the games.
@WLAShamrocks coaches, PISE directors, Tourism Victoria and several CRD Mayors here at presser. Seems like this bid has serious local support and backing. Funding details and taxpayer cost still to come.
— Chandler Grieve (@CTVNewsChandler) February 26, 2018
Aside from economic benefits, local athletes who have participated in past games say they hope Greater Victoria gets to see the passion and enthusiasm that the event brings.
"It's electric. I love it. The energy is amazing, it's always fun, and it just builds you up and makes you want to play harder," said lacrosse player Michael Maresca.
The cost to host the 2020 NAIG would amount to $10-million in total, with two-thirds of the money coming from the federal and provincial governments. The remaining money would come from the Songhees First Nation and partners including the CRD and Tourism Victoria. Existing facilities would be used, meaning no new major infrastructure projects would have to be built. The bid itself is expected to cost $10,000.
The bid package is due on March 15 and a committee will perform a site evaluation in mid-April. A final presentation will be made in early May before the committee makes its decision in late spring.
Victoria previously hosted the games in 1997, while Cowichan hosted them in 2008.
