The excitement is growing in Central Alberta after the Canada Summer Games wrapped up this weekend in Winnipeg.

Mayor of Red Deer Tara Veer was on hand to experience what it will be like when Red Deer hosts the Canada Winter Games in 2019, as she was handed the reigns during the closing ceremonies.

With the Canada Games flag and torch on its way to Red Deer, Veer said it’s starting to feel more real.

“Now we will ramp up in terms of our preparation. It was such a proud moment for all of Red Deer to be able to receive that honour with our fellow Canadians and on behalf of our fellow Canadians.”

“Winnipeg did an incredible job and we certainly have our work cut out for us.”

With over 20,000 visitors expected in Red Deer for the Games and seeing what the Games are all about in Winnipeg, Veer said they’ll be ready for a great showing.

“Now that the host society have been here and have seen the events executed and had a lot of learnings to take home, they were all very anxious to get back to Red Deer so they can hit the ground running and meet the bar Winnipeg has established and exceed that.”  

In total, Team Alberta brought home 97 medals from the Canada Summer Games including 26 gold medals.

The Winter Games are being held in Red Deer from February 15 through March 3.