Watchful eyes flew through city skies yesterday morning, as two helicopters chauffeured officials who will ultimately decide if Edmonton will host a major sporting event in 2015.
“Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) is delighted that Edmonton has signaled its interest in being a Canadian bid city for the 2015 Universiade Games,” said CIS CEO Marg McGregor.
In their time in Edmonton, CIS representatives spent time reviewing proposed business plans, budgets and facilities. McGregor said it was important for she and her colleagues to walk away sharing the vision U of A officials have for the 2015 games, and the partnership that could be struck between the two organizations.
“It’s quite impressive to see the number of recreational facilities and parks from 500 feet in the air,” McGregor said. “Clearly the founders of the city had great vision to carve out that much recreational space for athletics.”
Representatives from the University of Alberta feel they’re in pole position when stacking up Edmonton’s sporting facilities against other Canadian cities.
Though there are no other cities in contention for the summer games at the moment, Quebec City has put in a bid for the 2015 winter games. CIS officials will have to pick between the two, and will make their decision within a year.
