The Renfrew County 2023 Winter Games is supported by the Ontario Government through its Games Ontario program. This program delivers and supports multi-sport events, including the Ontario Winter and Summer Games for youth, the Ontario 55+ Winter and Summer Games and the Ontario Parasport Games.

As Ontario’s largest multi-sport events, the Games are a showcase of amateur sport in Ontario and provide top young athletes with development and competitive opportunities to prepare them for national and international competition. The Ontario Winter Games were first delivered in 1970 by the City of Etobicoke. Since then, they have been held in even numbered years, and attract as many as 3,000 participants competing in over 20 sports.

Renfrew County and THE GAMES

Renfrew County is ready to welcome over 2,200 athletes, coaches, officials, dignitaries and visitors, with a potential economic impact of over $5 million dollars amongst the communities hosting the Games.

Athletes will compete in 20 sports throughout Renfrew County in communities such as Petawawa, Pembroke, Renfrew and Arnprior over the seven day competition taking place in February 2023.

The Games will attract participants and spectators from across Ontario and beyond, and are a great opportunity to showcase and promote our communities, tourism and attractions to our visitors.

Renfrew County has a rich sport history, both as participants and as event planners and was chosen as host due to its high quality sport venues and an engaged community with outstanding civic pride and willingness to work with all organizations and levels of government.

Be on the lookout for several public celebrations, cultural and promotional activities to support the Games.

The Games AT A GLANCE

Over 2,200 participants

Over 20 sports

7 days over two consecutive weekends

Athletes aged 12-18 years

$5 million in estimated economic activity

700+ volunteers

GAMES ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

The Renfrew County 2023 Ontario Winter Games is governed by a Games Organizing Committee (GOC), led by enthusiastic community leaders in partnership with Local (County of Renfrew) and Provincial Government representation (Games Ontario), to shape the Games and create a unique event that will welcome all of Ontario to Renfrew County and area.

ABOUT RENFREW
COUNTY

Renfrew County is located in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, located in Eastern Ontario. It is comprised of seventeen beautiful municipalities. Although rural in nature and is made up of distinct physiographic regions, covering 7,645.68 sq. km., the County has a very diverse industrial, agricultural, recreational, sport and tourism make-up with a rich history and future opportunities.

Vision

To implement a Winter Games of such high quality that it becomes the gold standard for future games, while promoting Renfrew Country as a thriving, growing & diverse community.

Mission

To showcase Renfrew County to all of Ontario and ensure that all participants in the games have a high quality, memorable experience. This will be achieved through flawless execution, quality facilities, and friendly, helpful volunteer staff all working together towards a common goal.

GOALS OF THE GAMES?

CELEBRATING TOGETHER AS ONE BIG COMMUNITY

GENERATE COMMUNITY PRIDE AND SPIRIT

ENGAGEMENT OF ALL 19 COMMUNITIES

PROMOTION & AWARENESS OF RENFREW COUNTY – SHOW CASE THE REGION

INSPIRE AND MOTIVATE OUR YOUTH

To be the best games of all time

The Games Values, Presented by CNL

Renfrew County 2023, Ontario Winter Games is pleased to partner with CNL, who is the sponsor of our shared 6 values for the Games.

  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Teamwork
  • Responsibility
  • Accountability
  • Excellence

Meet PACHI

PACHI is the head cheerleader of Games Ontario events, all of which showcase Ontario athletes competing in sports at the Renfrew County 2023 Winter Games. PACHI also supports the athletes and coaches on Team Ontario at the Canada Games.

PACHI is a porcupine and like other porcupines, has a visual impairment and difficultly seeing people and objects that are far away.

His white hat and wristbands feature the Games Ontario logo, modelled on the iconic Ontario trillium and highlighted with red, green, and blue:

  • Red represents “inspiration” and Team Ontario’s official colour
  • Green represents “opportunity”
  • Blue represents “community”

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
General
Q: When and where are the 2023 Ontario Winter Games? A: Games Ontario will be hosting the 2023 Ontario Winter Games beginning Thursday, February 2 to Sunday, February 5, 2023, and February 9 to Sunday, February 12, 2023. The Games will take place at multiple locations across Renfrew County. A full list of venues will be posted on the Games website.
Q: What age are the athletes at the 2023 Ontario Winter Games and how many participants will there be? A: The 2023 Ontario Winter Games will feature 2,200 participants (athletes, coaches, and officials), with most athletes’ ages ranging from 12 to 18 years old.
Q: How was Renfrew County selected as the host? A: Renfrew County was awarded the 2023 Ontario Winter Games by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport through a competitive bid process.
Q: How are participating sports in the 2023 Ontario Winter Games determined? A: Sports represented in the 2023 Ontario Winter Games are determined by a sport selection process conducted by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport with the recognized Provincial Sport Organizations.
Athletes/Parents
Q: How do I qualify for the 2023 Ontario Winter Games? A: Participants are selected by each sport’s respective Provincial Sport Organization through a qualification process. Please contact your sport’s Provincial Sport Organization for more information.
Q: I have qualified for the 2023 Ontario Winter Games; how do I register? A: Registration for the Games opens approximately three months in advance of the Games and is completed under the direction of each sport’s Provincial Sport Organization. Please contact your sport’s Provincial Sport Organization for more information.
Q: How much does it cost to participate in the 2023 Ontario Winter Games? A: A registration fee is charged by the Host to the Provincial Sport Organization for each athlete attending the Games. Participation fees may vary by sport at the discretion of the Provincial Sport Organization if there are additional costs required to participate in the Games such as uniforms, training etc. Please consult with your Provincial Sport Organization for more information.
Q: Where do I pay my registration fee for the Games? A: Registration fees are paid through each sport’s Provincial Sport Organization. Please consult your sport’s Provincial Sport Organization for more information regarding registration fees.
Q: Where will I be staying at the Games? When will I find out? A: All participants will be housed in accommodations provided by the Games. Participants will have their own bed but will be sharing a room with other participants of the same participant type (e.g. athletes with athletes, coaches with coaches), sport and gender. Participant accommodations will be communicated to you by your Provincial Sport Organization. For the safety of all participants, accommodation locations of each sport are not publicly posted.
Q: What is provided to me at the Games accommodations? A: Each room will have bed linens, pillow, blanket, towel, face cloth, soap and drinking cup.
Q: What should I bring with me to the Games? A: Participants must bring any items necessary to compete in your sport (e.g., uniforms, sport equipment, etc.) and their health card. Each participant is responsible for all their belongings at the sport venues and accommodations. Any valuables should always be kept secured. Please consult with your PSO for specific items you may be required to bring and what arrangements, if any, have been made for storage. (e.g., sport equipment, bags etc.)
Q: What food will I receive at the Games? A: All participants will receive three meals a day starting with dinner on the night of the Opening Ceremony/registration to breakfast of the last day of competition for their sport. Additional meals may be offered to participants at the direction of the Provincial Sport Organization and Games organizers. Any additional food outside of the three meals a day is the responsibility of the participant. If participants choose to bring snacks, please be aware that access to refrigerators may be limited or not available in the accommodations. Non-perishable nut free snacks would be encouraged.
Q: I have an allergy/dietary restriction; how will the Games ensure I receive the correct meal? A: All food allergy/dietary restriction information is collected through the registration process. Food services will use this information to plan meals for all participants. During meal periods, participants should notify Games representative(s) onsite of specific allergies/dietary restrictions
Q: Can friends and family visit me in my accommodations? A: No, for the safety of all participants, friends and family must remain out of the Games accommodations during the Event. Only accredited individuals are permitted in accommodations.
Q: How do I get to the Games? A: All participants will be responsible for organizing their own travel to Renfrew County. Participants who are arriving by train or airplane must have travel pre-approved through their Provincial Sport Organization. Games organizers will arrange for transportation for participants with pre-approved travel to and from airport or train stations to the Games accommodations. Please contact your sport’s Provincial Sport Organization for more information regarding where and when to arrive at the 2023 Ontario Winter Games. During the Games participants will be transported to and from their venue, accommodations and special events.
Q: When will competition schedules be posted? A: Competition schedules are set by the Provincial Sport Organizations and will be posted as they are available.
Volunteers
Q: How do I sign-up to volunteer for the Games? A: An online registration system for volunteers will be made available. The Games will review all volunteer registrations and begin offering positions closer to the Games.
Q: What will I be doing as a volunteer? Can I choose what sport I volunteer at? A: Through your registration form you will be able to indicate sports you are interested in volunteering with, skills you may be able to offer and your availability. Based on the information you provide while registering, the Games will do their best to offer you a position of interest and that best suits your skill set. Training will be provided to all volunteers prior to the Games and just-in-time on site.
Q: Is there a deadline to apply to volunteer? A: No. However, volunteer registration may close without notice once all volunteer positions have been filled.
Q: Is there a minimum number of hours/days I need to volunteer? A: There is no minimum, however in most cases preference will be given to volunteers who can commit the most amount of hours/days.
Q: Will a meal be provided during my shift? A: All volunteers working a shift longer than four hours will be entitled to a meal.
Q: I have special requests; can I still volunteer? A: Yes, you can identify your special requests through the registration form. A member of the Games will be in contact if further information is required in order to place you in a volunteer position.
Q: Is there a minimum or maximum age to volunteer? A: Volunteers should be at least 16 years old and up to any age and health depending on the volunteer position.
Q: Do I have to get a background check completed? A: Background checks will be coordinated by your sport manager following your registration.
Q: When will I know if I have been selected? A: Volunteers will be selected on a rolling basis. A member of the Games will contact you with more information regarding your role once you have been selected.
Q: Do I have to attend a training session? A: Yes, all volunteers are required to attend one pre-Games volunteer training session. Multiple training session times will be offered and will be communicated to you closer to the Games. Other options may be provided to volunteers who are not local.
Q: Who do I contact if I have volunteer questions? A: Volunteer questions may be directed to amy.renfrewcounty2022@gmail.com.
Q: Will the Games cover my expenses to volunteer (transportation, parking, accommodations) A: No, all volunteers are responsible for their own expenses.
Q: Can volunteer hours from the Games be used towards my high school diploma? A: Yes, forms for completed hours can be signed by your supervisor on the last day of the Games.
Q: I registered to volunteer, but my availability has changed or I am no longer available to volunteer. What should I do? A: Please contact amy.renfrewcounty2022@gmail.com to inform the Games of your change in availability.