Relive this moment in history: The 1981 Canada Summer Games in Thunder Bay, Ont. - Action News
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Thunder BayWayback With Matt

Relive this moment in history: The 1981 Canada Summer Games in Thunder Bay, Ont.

Many of the best young amateur athletes from across Canada converged on Thunder Bay, Ont., for two weeks in August 1981 as the northwestern Ontario city hosted that year's Canada Summer Games.

Many of Canada's best young amateur athletes converged on the Lakehead in August, 1981

The 1981 Canada Summer Games brought together some of the country's best young amateur athletes. The games also left a lasting legacy on Thunder Bay. (https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/jeux-canada-games--1981)

Many of the best young amateur athletes from across Canada converged on Thunder Bay, Ont., for two weeks in August 1981 as the northwestern Ontario city hosted that year's Canada Summer Games.

The city launched its bid about four years prior in 1977. When the games arrived, nearly 13,000 spectators filled Fort William Stadium for the opening ceremonies. According to Canada Games officials, the competitions were memorable with nine records set on the second day of track and field and another nine records broken on the first full day of swimming events.

The games also featured the memorable mascot: Choklit Moose.

The competitions also left a lasting legacy with the construction of the Canada Games Complex. Additionally, existing facilities were upgraded for the games, including Port Arthur Stadium, Fort William Gardens, Fort William Stadium and the marina area at Prince Arthur's Landing.

Listen to Wayback With Matt to hear some of CBC's national coverage of the games, along with some of the sounds from the opening ceremonies from CBC Thunder Bay's archives.