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The finalists have been named for the 2018 Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA) PRESTIGE Awards, which recognize sport tourism events, organizations, volunteers and leaders in seven different categories. We are pleased to announce that the 2017 Ontario ParaSport Winter Games jointly hosted by the City of Brantford and County of Brant is a finalist in the category ‘Sport Event of the Year – Event Budget Less than $1M.

The PRESTIGE (Program Recognizing Exceptional Sport Tourism Initiatives, Games & Events) Awards are now into their 12th year, and has honoured many exceptional events, people and organizations throughout that time since they began in 2007.

“Once again this year our nominations represent the strong and vibrant sport tourism industry in Canada,” said Rick Traer, CEO, and Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance. “We have consistently ranked as one of the top nations in the world for hosting events, and the calibre of this year’s nominees reflects the capability and expertise we have right across this country. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit nominations, and congratulations to each of our finalists.”

The 20 finalists and one recipient are drawn from ten different provinces and represent both smaller communities and major urban centres. As well, five emerging leaders will be recognized for their contributions to the sport tourism industry who have demonstrated leadership, creativity and dynamic energy.

Saskatoon Sports Tourism will announce recipients on Thursday, March 8, during the 12th Annual PRESTIGE Awards gala luncheon sponsored at the CSTA’s annual Sport Events Congress at the Halifax Convention Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia, emceed by CBC’s broadcast journalist Colleen Jones.

Brantford and the County of Brant co-hosted the Ontario ParaSport Winter Games in February of 2017 and are honoured to be recognized as a finalist for this award.

“It was always our goal to deliver games focusing on high calibre competitions for Para Athletes. Hosting the Ontario ParaSport Winter Games was infectious for our two communities” stated Donna Clements, Tourism Business Development Officer for the City of Brantford and ParaSport Games Co-Chair. “From the Games Organizing Committee to the volunteers, staff and students involved, all were so excited to be part of such a wonderful event and it showed with everyone’s enthusiasm and compassion to make the Games the Best Games ever!”

The other finalists in the same category as the Brantford/Brant ParaSport Winter Games include; the 2017 World Junior A Challenge (Truro, Nova Scotia) and BMO NBA Courts Across Canada (Haida Gwaii, B.C., Saskatoon Saskatchewan, Brandon Manitoba, Kitchener Ontario, Quebec City Quebec, Dartmouth Nova Scotia and Moncton New Brunswick.

Brant Tourism Supervisor and 2017 ParaSport Games Co-Chair Russell Press is optimistic about the Brantford/Brant entry, “To be nationally recognized with these other great events for an award of this magnitude really does tie a nice bow on the 2017 ParaSport Games. If community cooperation, enthusiasm and passion are measureables for which event wins, we’re feeling pretty good about our chances.”

For a full list of award finalists please visit the CSTA website.

Accessible formats and communication supports available upon request. For more information please contact the City of Brantford Accessibility Coordinator.