Just as the Winter Olympics are set to begin in Vancouver, Thunder Bay has been chosen as the host city for the 2011 Special Olympics Ontario Winter Games.
TBayTel signed on as the major partner of the event Wedensday, and the company already launched plans for the adopt-an-athlete fundraising campaign. For $500 local businesses, families, schools and organizations can adopt an athlete and help contribute to the event.
Those who participate will be able to track their athlete during the games and will receive pictures and a plaque for their donation.
The goal is to raise $300,000 from the fundraiser. Games manager Pat Murphy said the event will have a huge impact on the city of Thunder Bay.
The Special Olympics Ontario Winter Games will take place Jan. 20 to 23 next year.
Athletes will compete in six different events, including curling, skiing and snowshoeing. An estimated 600 volunteers will be needed before and during the activities.
