As the 2026 Manitoba Games powered by Manitoba Hydro draw closer, preparations in Thompson are in full swing. To understand what it really takes to host a multi-sport event of this scale, hear from the two volunteer Co-Chairs who are leading the charge: Todd Harwood and Cristy Andres.

Why the Manitoba Games Matter

For Todd, the Games connect to personal history and community impact.

“Games matter to me for a number of reasons. I was an athlete in the 1994 Games in Thompson, and enjoyed that experience. In my involvement in Badminton I have witnessed how Games are used to help develop sport and athletes. I have also witnessed the benefit Games have on community. Both financial and human.”

Cristy’s reasons echo that sense of connection and pride.

“It is something about how the Games brings a community together in such a powerful way. It is not just about competition, it’s about pride, connection and celebration all rolled together. The Games unite communities across the province and create opportunities for our youth to dream bigger, work harder and be proud of where they come from.”

Planning a Provincial Multi-Sport Event: One Piece at a Time

An event of this magnitude typically requires years of planning, hundreds of volunteer hours, and significant commitments from the host community, the school division, and local government. So, where do you start? 

“A wise person once framed it like this to me. How do you eat an elephant?” shared Todd.  “The answer is one bite at a time. We have tried to recruit skilled and reliable people to try and take bites of this elephant.”

Cristy breaks down the process from her perspective:

“You begin by getting commitment. Ensuring the proper people are in place, especially for the larger roles, and allow them to construct their own army to support their work. In my eyes, the process is an 18–24 month commitment minimum if you want to do it well.”

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Legacies That Will Last Long After the Closing Ceremonies

The 2026 Games will leave behind significant improvements to local sport facilities.

“We have numerous planned legacies, including upgrades to the Trojan Gym railing and curtain, new sound system in the CA, public-facing Wi-Fi in the TRCC, equipment and upgrades to the Curling Club as well as Gymnastics, said Todd”

The bigger picture - major facility upgrades - can start as one of those ‘wouldn’t it be cool if’ suggestions and turn into real, tangible benefits of hosting an event like this. 

“Our Cross-Country Ski venue needs a lot of work to make it a Games venue. We have some unbelievable cross-country ski trails but no infrastructure…ie: building, spectator seating, etc. That is a major focus right now.”

Another major priority: volunteers.

“We need people to sign up to volunteer during the Games. Without people in roles – we will not have a successful week of the Games. If you have a heartbeat – we need you.”

The Crucial Volunteer Roles You Might Not Know About

Todd doesn’t hesitate when asked which roles are most essential.

“Food! Athletes are going to leave the Games and talk about how they ate. We need a lot of people to make sure food is delicious and everyone is able to get through food lines quickly.”

Cristy echoes the same sentiment, recognizing how important it is to fuel the competitors at this intense level of competition.

“Food Services is going to be huge. Feeding 1,500 athletes and 300 coaches is no small feat… It is so important to help these athletes compete at their best.”

Both Todd and Cristy - and many of this host’s leadership volunteers - were intensely involved in hosting the Games in 2018, and didn’t hesitate to volunteer again this time around. Christy’s advice? “Sign up – and don’t wait!”

“Volunteering for the Games is an unforgettable experience. You will meet incredible people, feel the excitement of being part of something bigger than yourself, and you will see firsthand how much pride and joy the Games will bring to our community!”

“There are so many different areas of the Games to help out in,” Todd adds. ”Find an area you feel your gifts can be best used. I promise you will have a sense of pride about your contribution to the Games.”

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Sign Up!

Take five minutes and sign up to volunteer for the Games at the other end of this link. See you in Thompson in March!

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Co-Chairs on CTV Your Morning Winnipeg

Hear more from Cristy and Todd...

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