Red Deer received some good news from the Alberta Blue Cross last night regarding the 2019 Canada Winter Games.

Alberta Blue Cross announced they will sponsor the Games in the amount of $50,000.

President of Alberta Blue Cross Ray Pisani said they are always looking for ways to promote health and wellness among all Albertans.

He said one thing they feel passionate about is ensuring active living and community involvement.

“I think it’s a responsibility for corporate Alberta to support events like these that contribute to the overall health and well-being of Albertans.”

Former Olympian and Board Member with Canada Games Council Catriona LeMay Doan said every little bit counts.

“They are an expensive endeavor and yet the economic impact to the community is three times that.”

“You spend a lot to put on the Games, but there is such a return within the economy. That’s what we need to remember.”

She added it’s not only the economic side of things that will leave an impact on the community.

“It’s also the legacy, not just the financial side. It’s the facilities, the sport clubs, the volunteerism, the officials that you build and the coaches,” said LeMay Doan.

“There is such an impact post-Games, it’s not just about those 17 days.

The announcement was made during an appreciation night for some of Central Alberta’s top business leaders at Red Deer College.

The 2019 Canada Winter Games run from February 15 to March 3.