From the Track to Thompson: Kaya Kopeechuk’s Winter Games Story

For many athletes, the Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For Kaya Kopeechuk, they’re something even more special. They're a chance to give back.

Kaya competed for Team North in the Manitoba Summer Games in Dauphin, in athletics, taking part in the 400 metres, high jump, and two relay events. Like many first-time competitors, she remembers feeling nervous heading into the Games, but that quickly turned into something unforgettable.

“It was such a good experience,” she says. “I met new people and got to know everyone else on the team. That’s what I really enjoyed.”

Some of her favourite memories include the excitement of the medal ceremonies and the athlete celebrations. These are moments that go far beyond competition and help create lifelong memories.

This year, as the Winter Games come to Thompson, Kaya will be experiencing the Games from a new perspective: as a volunteer.

“I’m really looking forward to volunteering this time,” she says. “I’m excited to watch my classmates and other kids compete in their sports.”

Kaya signed up alongside her mom and soon realized many of her friends would also be involved, either as athletes or volunteers. She’ll be helping out in several areas, including gymnastics, merchandise sales, and medal presentations.

As a former athlete, Kaya understands just how vital volunteers are to the success of the Games.

“You can’t really do much without volunteers,” she explains.“They’re everywhere like in the villages where you eat and sleep, keeping everything safe, working in the kitchens. So many things are needed.”

For anyone still deciding whether to compete, volunteer,spectate, or even make the trip to Thompson, Kaya has a simple message: do it.

“Competing in the Games is an unreal experience,” she says.“It’s once in a lifetime and so great for athletes.”

She also hopes visitors will come with an open mind about the host city.

“Sometimes Thompson gets a bad rep,” Kaya says, “but it’s truly a beautiful place. It’s very cold, but it’s really beautiful up here.”

Above all, Kaya believes the Games are about opportunity, connection, and growth.

“It’s a great program and such a great experience for young athletes.”

As Thompson prepares to welcome athletes, coaches, families, and volunteers from across the province, stories like Kaya’s are a reminder that the Games are about more than sport, they’re about community, pride, and creating memories that last long after the final medal is awarded.