2015 Canada Winter Games and Year of Sport in Canada

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, attended the ceremonial lighting of the torch for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, on October 16, 2014. The ceremony was held on Parliament Hill and Olympic champion speed skater and Olympic broadcaster Catriona Le May Doan was the master of ceremony.

“Next year promises to be a truly memorable sporting year for Canadians. A number of major international sporting events will take place in Canada, including the Pan Am Games, the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the IIHF World Hockey Junior Championships. It is for these reasons and so many more that I am delighted to proclaim 2015 the Year of Sport in Canada,” declared His Excellency.

The Governor General and the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), holding the 2015 Year of Sport in Canada Proclamation.

The Honourable Bal Gosal also delivered remarks.

In 2015, Canada will play host to several international sporting events. With its overarching theme of “Canada: A Leading Sport Nation,” the Year of Sport will highlight key moments in our nation’s history and showcase Canadian contributions to the world of sport. The initiative is also intended to build momentum leading up to the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017.

The Governor General proudly held the torch for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, which will be held in Prince George, British Columbia, from February 13 to March 1.

The torch relay is a significant element of the Canada Games, and has united communities across the nation for the past 47 years. It will officially start in November and will travel to three communities in northern British Columbia before arriving in Prince George for the opening ceremony of the Games.