Ontario Winter Games in Thunder Bay to proceed next month even after over half of the sports pull out

More than half of the confirmed sports have withdrawn from next month's Ontario Winter Games, but organizers say they remain excited for Thunder Bay to host its largest multi-sport event in decades.

After the northwestern Ontario city secured the Games, 27 sports said they'd participate. Five weeks out from the event, 13 sports are set to go — meaning about 1,500 coaches, athletes and their families won't be there.

During a media conference at city hall on Wednesday, organizers attributed travel costs as the main reason so many teams, including weightlifting and alpine skiing, have pulled out.

"We've been working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to help address challenges we faced regarding participant travel stemming from high costs in flights and a reduction in air travel capacity flying in and out of Thunder Bay since the city's initial bid," said Ontario Winter Games co-ordinator Matthew Lawrence.

"Our goal has always been to ensure as many athletes are able to attend as possible and to put on a top-notch event for them."

The Games are set for Feb. 16-19 and Feb. 23-26, with competitions at 11 venues. As of Wednesday, about 1,350 athletes, coaches and officials are expected to be there. Most of the athletes are between ages 12 and 18. 

The last time Thunder Bay hosted the event was in 1974. Nearly 1,000 volunteers have been recruited to put everything together this year.

Barry Streib, chair of the Ontario Winter Games organizing committee, said it's still anticipated the event will bring in millions in tourism dollars.

"The impact for our community — the economic impact, if you will — is close to $5 million, $6 million with all of those individuals coming here," Streib said.

Organizing the