On eve of Games, Kamloops is ready
A bone-crushing spike that wins a five-set thriller is great on its own.
It’s made better, though, if a crowd of 1,000 is there to explode when the volleyball comes crashing off the court.
“We need the community’s support to make this thing a big success,” said Doug Smith, general manager of the Western Canada Summer Games’ host committee.
“We need to sell tickets for the ceremonies and sell tickets for different events.”
As of Tuesday, Aug. 5, there were still about 1,000 tickets left to be sold for tomorrow night’s (Aug. 5) opening ceremony at Interior Savings Centre.
Tickets can be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet and will also be on sale at the door.
The opening ceremony gets underway at 7 p.m.
Smith, an avid outdoorsman, has been involved with many Canada Games’ events, including the Canada Summer Games in Kamloops in 1993.
Experience is a must-have prerequisite at the general-manager position, as a cool hand under pressure is required.
“My job is to keep the pulse in all parts and to be able to support whatever operation needs it,” said Smith, who in September will start his first year as Brocklehurst middle school’s vice-principal.
The provincial and municipal governments, sponsors, provincial sports organizations, community groups and the business community are among Games’ partners.
Smith is confident the host committee and the Ganes’ organizers have done all they can to ensure the two-week event is a hit.
“I’ve been through it a few times,” Smith said.
“I know what to expect, so it’s not that stressful.”
The Games’ torch will begin its journey toward ISC from Kamloops Airport at 2:45 p.m. on Friday.
Party in the Plaza, a festival featuring a variety of musical, athletic and comedic entertainment, will get underway at 4 p.m. outside ISC.
For more information on the Games, including a complete schedule of events, log on to 2011wcsg.com.
When Smith is not bogged down with Games’ troubleshooting, he might be found at the Kamloops Tennis Centre, where B.C. will be chasing gold.
“I’m a big fan of tennis,” Smith said.
“There’s such good drama. You never know what’s going to happen.”
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