Build Capacity in Sport and Leadership
Drive Economic and Community Growth
Strengthen Volunteer Networks
Elevate Your Community
Hosting the Manitoba Games is an economic driver
Sport Manitoba and the host communities worked with the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance’s Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model (STEAM Pro 2.0) to generate economic impact studies for both the 2016 and 2018 Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro.
The 2016 Summer Games in Steinbach generated $2.6 million in economic activity in Manitoba, including a $1.5 million boost to provincial GDP and $660,000 in visitor spending.
The 2018 Winter Games in Thompson generated $1.7 million in economic activity in Manitoba including a $591,696 boost to provincial GDP and $859,000 in direct spending.
Hosting the Manitoba Games is a rewarding challenge that brings your community together to deliver a world-class multi-sport experience. Communities interested in hosting must demonstrate the ability to meet a defined set of standards and logistical requirements.
Bids are submitted through a structured, strategic process. Bids are evaluated and scored based on specific criteria, with the highest-scoring community selected to host.
The event is led by a dedicated volunteer host committee responsible for planning and delivering the Games in coordination with Sport Manitoba.
Hosting the Manitoba Games requires strong capacity, infrastructure, and community support. Host communities must be able to:
If your community cannot meet all requirements on its own, consider partnering with a neighbouring community to strengthen your bid.
The first step in the bid process is to submit two letters of intent, from the school division and local government, that confirm a combined interest in hosting.
Download our letter of intent template here.
Due: December 19, 2025
This step includes providing information on food services, accommodations, storage, and sport venues to help us determine whether you can meet the minimum standards.
Due: January 30, 2026
In this proposal, your community can showcase its unique vision for the Games, including its goals, available resources, and plans for revenue generation, giving us a complete picture of your capacity to host the next Games.
Due: March 27, 2026
The Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro are the province’s largest multi-sport event, showcasing top amateur athletes from across Manitoba. Held every two years, the Games alternate between summer and winter editions and bring together athletes aged 10–17 to compete in a variety of sports.
The Games are open to youth athletes who qualify through the regional teams - North, West, East, South, and Winnipeg. Participants typically range from 10 to 17 years old and must meet sport-specific eligibility and performance criteria.
Participants will register for teams based on the regions identified in this map.
The Games are hosted in various communities throughout the province. This gives regional cities and towns the opportunity to welcome athletes and spectators while showcasing their facilities and local spirit. A bidding process that begins three years before the event determines the host.
For more information on hosting the Games in your community, read our hosting guide and contact games@sportmanitoba.ca with your questions.
The Games are organized by Sport Manitoba, in partnership with provincial sport organizations, host communities, and local volunteers.
Provincial sport organizations are responsible for selecting the athletes and coaches who represent each regional team. They also oversee the competition elements at the Games ensuring the standards are met as outlined in their technical package.
