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 General FAQs

When and where are the 2024 Ontario Winter Games?
Games Ontario will be hosting the 2024 Ontario Winter Games beginning February 16 and end on the 26. The Games will take place at multiple locations across Thunder Bay. A full list of venues will be posted on the Games website.
What age are the athletes at the 2024 Ontario Winter Games and how many participants will there be?
The 2024 Ontario Winter Games will feature 1,300+ participants (athletes, coaches, and officials), with most athletes’ ages ranging from 12 to 18 years old
How was Thunder Bay selected as the host?
Thunder Bay was awarded the 2024 Ontario Winter Games by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport through a competitive bid process.
How are participating sports in the 2024 Ontario Winter Games determined?
Sports represented in the 2024 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 FAQ

How do I qualify for the 2024 Ontario Winter Games?
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.
I have qualified for the 2024 Ontario Winter Games; how do I register?
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.
How much does it cost to participate in the 2024 Ontario Winter Games?
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.
Where do I pay my registration fee for the Games?
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.
Where will I be staying at the Games? When will I find out?
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.
What is provided to me at the Games accommodations?
Each room will have bed linens, pillow, blanket, towel, face cloth, soap and drinking cup.
What should I bring with me to the Games?
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.)
What food will I receive at the Games?
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.
I have an allergy/dietary restriction; how will the Games ensure I receive the correct meal? 
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.
Can friends and family visit me in my accommodations?
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.
How do I get to the Games?
All participants will be responsible for organizing their own travel to Thunder Bay. Participants who are arriving by 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 to the Games accommodations. Please contact your sport’s Provincial Sport Organization for more information regarding where and when to arrive at the 2024 Ontario Winter Games. During the Games participants will be transported to and from their venue, accommodations and special events.
When will competition schedules be posted?
Competition schedules are set by the Provincial Sport Organizations and will be posted as they are available.

 

Volunteers FAQ 

When will volunteer registration for the Ontario Winter Games open?

Registration has opened as of Sept. 15, 2023. Please visit our Volunteer Page to register. 

Are all volunteers accepted into the program?

The Volunteer Committee will try their best to accommodate all applicants. However, based on logistics, space, and skill requirements, unfortunately not all volunteers may be accepted for the event. 

How do I sign-up to volunteer for the Games?

Visit our Volunteer Page to register. 

What volunteer roles are available?

In the registration form, applicants will be able to indicate the volunteer role or area they would be interested in. Some volunteer examples may be in food services - assisting with the delivery of meals, administration - running the registration area, sports, etc. The volunteer committee will do their best to offer a position that best suits your interest, skill set and availability.

Is there a deadline to apply to volunteer?

Yes. The deadline to apply to volunteer will be November 30, 2023. Please note that registration may close without notice once all volunteer positions have been filled.  

Is there a minimum number of hours/days I need to volunteer?

Yes. The minimum number of shifts required per volunteer is 2 shifts at a minimum of 4 hours each.

Will a meal be provided during my shift?

All volunteers working a shift longer than four hours will be entitled to a meal.

I require an accommodation; can I still volunteer?

Yes, you can identify your special requests or accommodations through the registration form. A member of the Volunteer Committee will be in contact if further information is required in order to place you in a volunteer position.

Is there a minimum or maximum age to volunteer?

Volunteers should be 16 years in age. However, family opportunities may be available.  
Do I have to get a Police Record Check completed?

Police Vulnerable Sector Checks will be required for specific roles indicated on the application. 

Do I have to attend a training session?

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. 

Who do I contact if I have volunteer questions?

Volunteer questions may be directed to owg.volunteer@thunderbay.ca 

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