Manitoba

1-year countdown to the Canada Summer Games begins in Winnipeg

The countdown to the 2017 Canada Summer Games is on. Many families flocked to The Forks on Thursday to celebrate the one-year countdown to the Canada Summer Games.

Only 1 year to go until Winnipeg hosts the 2017 Canada Summer Games

People at the Forks celebrate the official countdown to the Canada Summer Games which takes place in Winnipeg next year. (CBC) (cbc)

The countdown to the Canada Summer Games is on.

Many families flocked to The Forks on Thursday to celebrate the one-year countdown to the Canada Summer Games.

Winnipeg will host the 2017 Canada Summer Games next July. 

The celebrations at The Forks included musical performances by Manitoba musicians as well as 14 interactive kiosks for kids demonstrating some of the sports that wil be presented at the Canada Summer Games. 

Young athletes demonstrate wrestling techniques for kids at one of 14 interactive sport kiosks at The Forks on Thursday afternoon as part of celebrations to the official countdown to the Canada Summer Games, which will be held in Winnipeg next July. (CBC)

More than 4,000 athletes and 20,000 visitors are expected to be in Winnipeg for the Canada Summer Games next summer between July 28 to August 13.

Kids took part in interactive sport kiosks at The Forks as part of celebrations to the one-year countdown to the Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg. (CBC)

Earlier on Thursday, Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman hosted a flag raising ceremony at city hall to mark the one year countdown to the Canada Summer Games.

He was joined by Canada Summer Games co-chair Hubert Mesman and CEO and president Jeff Hnatiuk.  The mayor said Winnipeg is proud and ready to host the event and welcome the world to the city.

The event is expected to rake in at least $130 million for the local economy. 

The 2017 Summer Games will have special significance, as they will be held during Canada's 150th birthday and mark the 50th anniversary of the games, too.