
In 1972 the Provincial Government approved the initiation of a Provincial Games Development Program, which would give rural Manitoba an equal opportunity to participate in amateur sport.
The first province-wide Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro were held in Winnipeg in late December as part of the city’s 1974 Centennial Celebration. These Games were used to identify and select Manitoba’s 1975 Canada Winter Games teams. Neepawa was chosen to host the 1976 Manitoba Summer Games and the 1978 Manitoba Winter Games were held in Dauphin. After a hiatus, the Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro program was reinstituted in 1986 and has been held every two years since.
The Manitoba Games aren’t possible without our title sponsor, Manitoba Hydro, presenting sponsors Calm Air, Manitoba’s Credit Unions, Konica Minolta, Travel Manitoba, and GEMS.pro by KIMIK iT. With their support, we can continue to unite communities, inspire the next generation, and build a healthier Manitoba.

When the Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro are in town, the energy in the community skyrockets.
While the excitement comes to a peak during the Games, the impact of hosting is felt beyond the event itself, in the years leading up to and following the Games.

The Games bring high-level, multi-sport competition to the heart of the community, inspiring young athletes and introducing them to new sports. Seeing athletes their age, or just a few years older, compete at a high level can be a powerful source of inspiration. The Games can introduce kids to sports they may not have experienced before, sparking new interests and expanding their view of what’s possible in sport. These moments help foster a strong, long-term sport culture in host communities—one that promotes physical activity, goal setting, and a sense of belonging for years to come.
Updated baseball diamonds, soccer venues, a new running track, new rugby pitch, and signature legacy, Northgate trails: 26 km of mountain bike trail spread out over 720 acres.


Updates to bleachers and arenas, shower and change room improvements in schools, major investments in the Norplex pool.



Hosting the Games requires hundreds of dedicated volunteers, providing valuable training and leadership experience. Communities often report increased civic pride and stronger community bonds, as seen in places like Steinbach (2016), where the legacy of volunteerism and collaboration continues to thrive years after the Games.
The Manitoba Games have helped shape our province’s athletic history and continue to act as a beacon of excellence for young athletes from all corners of the province looking to pursue competitive sport. We would like to extend a warm thank you to all the communities who’ve hosted the games in the past, and we hope to work together in the future to further develop sport in Manitoba.
1986 Winter - Flin Flon
1988 Summer - Beausejour/Pinawa
1990 Winter - Carman
1992 Summer - Minnedosa/Neepawa
1994 Winter - Thompson
1996 Summer - Morden
1998 Winter - Gimli
2000 Summer - Virden
2002 Winter - The Pas/OCN
2004 Summer - Dauphin
2006 Winter - Beausejour
2008 Summer - Carman
2010 Winter - Portage la Prairie
2012 Summer - Swan Valley
2014 Winter - Morden, Stanley, Winkler
2016 Summer - Steinbach
2018 Winter - Thompson
2024 Summer - Dauphin
2026 Winter - Thompson
Future host societies can bid to host the Games. Learn more about the benefits for your community by reviewing our hosting guide, or contact games@sportmanitoba.ca for more information.

We respect the spirit and intent of the treaties made here and are grateful to work, live, and play on this land, while working toward advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action 87-91.