Canada Games 2017 Winnipeg host committee gets sponsorship boost

The team drumming up financial support for the Canada SummerGames in Winnipeg next summer says it is more than halfway to its$8.7-million goal.

The 2017 host committeegathered at Portage and Main Friday morning to announceseveral major sponsors, including James Richardson & Sons, which has been named as a premier sponsor.

"James Richardson & Sons, Ltd. which will achieve its own milestone in 2017 of having been in business for 160 years has a long history of supporting community initiatives," said Hartley Richardson,president and CEO of the Winnipeg company.

"The Canada Summer Games is something we felt deserved our attention and our involvement."

• Winnipeg to host 2017 Canada Summer Games

He also announced the company wouldsponsor of the Games' opening ceremonies onJuly 28, 2017.

Other new sponsors includeTravel Manitoba, Broadview Networksand Reliance Products.

The Games Canada's largest multi-sport event for young athletes run fromJuly 28 until Aug.13 and will featuring 16 sports, more than 250 events, more than 4,000 athletes and a major cultural festival.

About 20,000 visitors are expected to attend the Games, which celebrate their50thanniversary in 2017, coinciding withCanada's 150th birthday.