UPEI formally announced as 2023 Canada Games Bridge Builder partner
The PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games Host Society formally announced the University of Prince Edward Island as a Bridge Builder partner at a sponsorship announcement on November 24. Island Coastal Services Ltd. and Irving Oil were also announced as sponsors of the national multi-sport event that will take place in February.
“Thank you to the University of Prince Edward Island, Island Coastal Services, and Irving Oil for your contributions to the Games and commitment to giving back to our community, ” said Jonathan Ross, Volunteer VP, Sponsorship and Revenue Generation, 2023 Canada Games Host Society. “The Canada Games provides a unique opportunity to tap into the spirit of Canadian sport and showcase your brand on a national stage. These leading organizations will be front and centre in February 2023 as we welcome Canada's best athletes to PEI.”
In just over 85 days, Prince Edward Island will welcome the nation for the 2023 Canada Winter Games. From February 18 to March 5, the Games will bring together 3,600 athletes, managers, and coaches, across 20 different sports, for the largest multi-sport event in the country.
The University of Prince Edward Island will act as a main hub during the PEI 2023 Games, with its new state-of-the-art residence serving as the home for the athletes’ village and mission services. The University will also play host to sport competitions during both weeks of the Games including, hockey and ringette at MacLauchlan Arena, and wheelchair basketball and badminton at Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre.
“The University of Prince Edward Island is proud to partner with the 2023 Canada Games to serve not only as the Athletes' Village, but also the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre as the venue for wheelchair basketball and badminton,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor (interim). “UPEI has a long history with the Canada Games on PEI, going back to 1991 and 2009, and we're excited once again to contribute to the community legacy being created for generations of Islanders to come.”
As the sponsor for the PEI 2023 Canada Games medal podiums, Island Coastal Services will welcome key dignitaries from across the country on stage to award medals to Canada’s next generation of international, national, Olympic, Paralympic, and Special Olympic champions. Island Coastal Services is also the presenting sponsor of Ringette, which first joined the Canada Games program in 1991, the last time PEI hosted the Winter Games.
“The opportunity to be able to give back to our communities and support our young athletes, not only in Prince Edward Island but across the country, gives us tremendous pride," said Jamey Smith, Project Manager, Island Coastal Services. "We can’t wait to see thousands of Canadian youth gather here on PEI to compete at their highest level, this really will be a proud moment.”
The PEI 2023 Host Society welcomed Irving Oil as the Official Fuel Supplier for the Games-time vehicle fleet that will safely transport VIPs and Major Technical Officials officials to venues across the Island to experience a life-shaping Games experience.
The 2023 Canada Games is made possible thanks to the Government of Canada, the Province of Prince Edward Island, and supporters like University of Prince Edward Island, Island Coastal Services Ltd., and Irving Oil.