The 2013 International Children’s Games are about much more than competition.
Windsor officials are taking advantage of a prime opportunity to market our region to the world. The first observation from outside is not so much about the sights of the city, but instead, its people.
“The people have been so welcoming to us everywhere we’ve been, it's fantastic," says soccer coach Mike Culloty, from Ireland.
Not a bad first impression for athletes and coaches visiting Canada and Windsor-Essex for the first time.
“The world has arrived in the city and the city is prepared to, once again, showcase its best and our best on the world stage," says Eddie Francis.
The city has been working hard to promote the region's tourism possibilities and its many amenities.
“This helps put us on the world stage,” says Gordon Orr, Tourism Windsor Essex CEO. “Once we give them a great experience, it will make them want to come back down the road."
This time around, the economic impact of hosting is expected to be between $4 million to $6 million.
Many are already collecting memories of the city.
“The skyline, down there near Caesar's near the Riverfont, is absolutely beautiful," says Culloty.
Soccer player Jesse Stafford-Lacey says it’s much different than his hometown of Tralee, Ireland.
“It's just like you're able to see so far around the place,” says Stafford-Lacey. “And at home, you just see lots of hills and not able to see around too much."
Surveys are being handed out to guests and visitors throughout the competition, to get feedback on the event.
A group of University of Windsor researchers will analyse the data and decide what worked and what could be improved upon for future large scale events.
