Host Release - State of Local Emergency

Media Release
Thursday July 19, 2012

State of Local Emergency
2012 Power Smart Manitoba Summer Games

Swan River, MB – At 6:45pm Wednesday July 18 the Town of Swan River declared a state of local emergency due to a potential lift station failure. The declaration was authorized under the Province of Manitoba Emergency Measure Act. The situation was complicated by weather watches and warnings.

With over 800 athletes, coaches, managers, and officials in town for the 2012 Power Smart Manitoba Summer Games, Games officials, including the Swan Valley Host Society and Sport Manitoba, immediately began focusing on the safety of the participants.

An emergency marshaling and evacuation plan was reviewed and communicated to all Games staff and lead volunteers. Games officials were assigned to athlete villages to communicate the situation and emergency plans. After briefing the regional teams, athletes were sent to bed on schedule to prepare for Thursday’s competition.

“Paula and I are thankful for the great team of volunteers and staff that are staging these games”, said Games co-chair Shayne Yaschyshyn. “They are a professional, dedicated group of people whose first concern was the care and safety of the athletes.”

Games villages also functioned as a shelter for campers, hosting over 50 campers while they waited out the storm.

By 1:00 am the weather threat had dissipated and the Town of Swan River had a good handle on the potential lift station failure.

The Swan Valley host society is happy to report that emergency plans were not required last night. Shower facilities closed an hour early last night and were closed this morning. The athlete shower schedule is back on schedule as of noon today. Since last night athletes have been asked to limit the use of indoor toilets and encouraged to use the port-a-potties provided.

Games officials are now focused on the field of play ensuring athletes have fantastic sport experiences all day today.

Please check the Power Smart Manitoba Games website for sport schedules and results. www.powersmartmanitobagames.ca

For more information:
Tara Skibo
Communications Officer
Sport Manitoba
204.781.1438