The Unsung Heroes of the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games

Celebrating the Unsung Heroes of the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games

The Manitoba Summer Games, a cherished event showcasing young athletic talent, are back this year after an eight-year hiatus since the last Games in 2016. Held in Dauphin, these Games offer athletes aged 10-14 the chance to compete in a range of sports, including cycling. Many of our current Provincial Team Performance athletes, such as Loic Savard, Matthaeus Dyck, and Eryn Guenter, first made their mark at the 2016 Games. As we gear up for this year’s events, it’s time to celebrate the incredible individuals who make these Games possible.

Support Team

Our dedicated support team has been crucial in ensuring the cycling events are both successful and enjoyable for everyone involved. Shanna Chan, our Cycling Technical Coordinator, expertly manages all technical details, while Cycling Co-Chairs Brenon Durston and Chris Wolfenden provide essential leadership and support. This hardworking team is behind the scenes, tirelessly working to create a fun and memorable experience. They keep athletes and families updated on selection races, recruit volunteer coaches and managers, and handle all the intricate details of the Games.

Special thanks to past volunteers and coaches whose contributions have guided our current efforts. Brad Gauthier, Cindy Brown, the Guenter family, and Don Rose have provided invaluable insights and shared memories from the 2016 Games, including photos and videos, helping us build on their legacy. We also recognize Moni Robertson, whose work as the Cycling Technical Director for the canceled 2020 Games laid the groundwork for the 2024 event. Her development of the original technical package has been instrumental in shaping our current plans and guiding our team forward.

The hard work of these individuals ensures that everything runs smoothly, significantly enhancing the overall experience and making the Games engaging and positive for all participants. Their dedication truly makes the event seamless and impactful for everyone involved.

Event Organizers

The success of this years Manitoba Summer Games owes a great deal to our incredible race organizers, who have worked tirelessly to deliver a record number of events. Each organizer has brought their unique expertise and passion to the table, ensuring every race was a memorable experience.

• Grand Prix of Grand Beach: hosted by the Dark Red Racing Cycling Club and Bikes & Beyond.
• HyLife Back Forty Spring Fever Event: hosted by the Town of Neepawa.
• Squirrel Chaser MTB Race: hosted by the Prairie Mountain Cycling Association.
• Schinken Vad MTB Race: hosted by Country Cycle
• Falcon Cup MTB Race: hosted by the Falcon Sports Club

Note: Although the Falcon Cup MTB Race was unable to proceed due to extreme weather, we appreciate the Falcon Sports Club’s dedication and effort in planning, despite the event being called off (twice).

Hosting an event requires tremendous effort and coordination to ensure a fun and safe experience for all participants. This year’s success not only highlights the incredible dedication of everyone involved but also showcases the remarkable sense of community among the cycling clubs. Their collaboration and support demonstrate how a strong network can come together to make each event a triumph.

Volunteer Coaches and Managers

A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who have dedicated their time to training young cyclists for the selection races and the Manitoba Summer Games teams. Your hard work has been essential to the success of our youth cycling programs. We also extend our deepest gratitude to those involved in the Kids of Mud Programs across the province. Whether as a Tier 1 Program Volunteer, Tier 2 Ride Leader, or Tier 3 Community Trained Coach, your contributions are vital in preparing our athletes for the Manitoba Summer Games.

Special recognition goes to the coaches and managers for the Games. They not only enhance athletes’ skills and confidence but also create a supportive environment that benefits the whole community. Coaches develop training plans and prepare athletes, while managers organize sessions, communicate with families, and ensure the athletes’ well-being throughout the Games. Their dedication, including extensive travel and attention to detail, ensures a smooth and positive experience for everyone involved.

Here are the dedicated coaches and managers for the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games:

• Team South: Tim Klassen (Coach) & Cara Gillis (Manager)
• Team East: Brent Burly (Coach) & Jolene Byers (Manager)
• Team West: Denis Saquet (Coach) & Laura Neely-Carter (Manager)
• Team Winnipeg Gold: David Hawthorne (Coach) & Robyn Thomas (Manager)
• Team Winnipeg Blue: Shawn Zayac (Coach) & Dawna Atamanchuk (Manager)

Commissaires, Event Volunteers, Parents & Guardians: Pillars of Support

Leading up to and during the Manitoba Summer Games, the pillars of support are the dedicated commissaires and event volunteers. Commissaires travel to race events, uphold fair play, and engage in additional training, all while ensuring a fun and safe environment for everyone involved. Event volunteers are crucial to the smooth execution of the Games, assisting with setup, managing logistics, acting as marshals, and providing necessary support with enthusiasm and precision. Their efforts ensure that every event runs seamlessly and is handled with care.

In a separate but equally important role, parents and guardians provide essential support throughout the season and leading up to the Games. They maintain and transport equipment, prepare necessities such as water bottles, snacks, and bug spray, and handle transportation by shuttling athletes to and from events.

A Community Effort

The Manitoba Summer Games showcase the power of community collaboration. Every participant—coaches, managers, organizers, officials, volunteers, and parents—plays a crucial role in ensuring the event is both successful and unforgettable. As we gear up for this year’s Games, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. Your dedication and support are the foundation of an extraordinary experience for all.