North Bay will play host to the Special Olympics Provincial Games in January 2027.

The last time the city hosted the provincial games for Special Olympic athletes was in 2015.

More than 450 athletes and their coaches will attend the event that is expected to garner “intense competition” and an economic impact of more than $625,000.

North Bay Police Service Const. Merv Shantz has assumed the position of games manager, who will also help oversee the 700 volunteers required to assist at the six venues where athletes will compete for a chance to attend the nationals and worlds.

“Athletes take the games very seriously. If you think they’re in it just for fun, that’s not the case,” Shantz said during a presentation to the council on Nov. 25.

“It sounds like a long time away, but it’s coming

See Full Page