The countdown is on and it is starting to heat up.
We are now 51 days away from the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games that will take over Dauphin and the surrounding area from August 11 to 17.
This year's event is four years postponed because of the pandemic which means the organizing committee has had extra time to guarantee this is an event that everyone will remember for years to come.
The event will bring forward an incredible economic boost for the region. Hotels will be full, restaurants will be packed, and so many of the outstanding facilities will be used throughout the week-long event.
That includes Credit Union Place, as it will host the volleyball event while some of the province's top golfers will hit the links vying for a gold medal at the Gilbert Plains Country Club.
Up in Clear Lake country, Luke Love is thrilled about the triathlon event which he is the co-chair. For those who do not know what a triathlon is, it's one of the more challenging disciplines in the sporting world.
Athletes must complete a swimming portion, followed by a bike portion, and then they must dig deep to finish with a run. It's an event that will challenge competitors not only physically, but mentally as well.
"I would say competitors are in the pool at least three times per week preparing," said Love. "This on top of riding their bike and running multiple times a week. It's also learning how to do all three disciplines one after the other."
Clear Lake also played host to the triathlon in 2004 when Dauphin hosted these same Manitoba Summer Games. The swim will be at the main beach, the biking will be down Wasagaming Drive and the run will be down the paved trail along the lake shore.
There's a good chance that you have not seen a triathlon live in action. That can change in less than two months and as Love explains, it should.
"The interesting thing about watching a triathlon is there is always action going on," said Love. "If you go to the main beach, you'll be able to watch the swim and then you will also get the chance to watch the athletes transition to the bike portion. We have created the course in a way that the athletes will be able to be seen multiple times."
For those living in Dauphin and the area, you are no stranger to the beauty that is offered in Clear Lake. There's something for everyone, from the wildlife to countless camping spots to everything in between.
However, that isn't the case for everyone. When the triathlon competitors arrive in Clear Lake, for some, it will be their first time being in the National Park just south of Dauphin.
Luke is looking forward to showing off the beautiful views and experiences that one enjoys while visiting the Riding Mountain National Park.
"We're pretty fortunate here in Dauphin to having a national park right at our doorstep," ended Love. "I know it's something that I took advantage of growing up in Dauphin. It's nice that we're going to be able to showcase what we have."
Make sure you continue to stay tuned for the Manitoba Summer Games Report that airs Thursday morning at 9:15. On Thursday, June 27, Darnell Duff will be joined by Chris Wolfenden who is the co-chair of the cycling event that will take place at Northgate Trails.
