Municipal District of Smoky River council decided to support the 2010 Alberta Summer Games being held across the North Peace Region. The games will be held from July 19 – 25 in towns across the region. The bid was entered by Peace River, who also held the Alberta Winter Games in 2004. “Athletes between the ages of 11 and 17 will be participating in the events,” says organizer Kevin Brecker. “They will be coming from eight sports zones from across Alberta.” Organizers of the event have asked various communities from across the North Peace to give financial support and gifts in kind to help fund the games. Brecker explains that over 3,000 volunteers will be needed to run the events across the region. He expects over 8,000 spectators to attend the events in 2010. The Alberta Summer Games are noted to be the largest multi-sport competition in the province. Some of the sports include basketball, in-line skating, water polo and soccer. All funds raised will go to the transportation, food, and accommodations required by the athletes during their stay in the North Peace Region. Brecker expects almost 3,700 athletes, coaches and officials to take part in the event. Local communities are not alone in raising the funds to house the athletes and support staff. Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation will provide $350,000 for the 2010 Alberta Summer Games. The Alberta Foundation for the Arts will provide an additional $70,000 to support cultural components of the games. “Peace River, Grimshaw, and Berwyn schools have already agreed to house the athletes for the week competition,” says Brecker. “There are many benefits associated with holding the games in our region.” Brecker lists the benefits as an increase in tourism, cultural awareness, promotion of regional cooperation, facility enhancement program, regional pride, regional scholarships, and a major recognition of the events in each community. “We have a budget of $2,245,000 required for the events,” says Brecker. “We are planning to work in a casino twice to fundraise for the event, and have an option to work a third night if necessary.” The organization committee asked for $27,500 in cash and gifts in kind from the M.D. of Smoky River. The Town of Falher also decided in meeting earlier this month to support the 2010 games. As a result of participating in the 2004 Alberta Winter Games, the Town of Falher were given, under the facility enhancement program, half the funds required to purchase a new Zamboni for the Falher Regional Recreation Complex. Brecker explained at the end of the event, if there is any money left over it is dispersed amongst the communities who supported the event. Falher is on the list to host the in-line skating competition in 2010. M.D. council decided unanimously to help fund the event, reasoning the events will help promote tourism across the North Peace Region. The Alberta Games take place every two years. The 2008 Alberta Summer Games were held August 7-10 in Medicine Hat.