The organizing committee of the Power Smart Manitoba Summer Games is excited to welcome athletes, coaches, and families to the amazing City of Steinbach for the opening ceremonies Sunday evening.

Co-Chair Trish Enns says now that the games are finally beginning the volunteers and organizers are starting to realize just how big this event is.

"The biggest thing is the overwhelming feeling of wow. I think a lot of the volunteers and a lot of the committee didn't really grasp the enormity of the event so it has certainly been an eye opener. Am I enjoying it? Absolutely. This is something that will be a life memory for everyone involved."

Enns says the population of Steinbach will be growing by 10 to 20 percent over the week with thousands of athletes, coaches, and their families visiting Steinbach. She notes it is an amazing opportunity to show off the city.

"I think the hope is to bring something to Steinbach that has never been done before and to show the province our amazing city, to highlight the community spirit that is so prevalent within our volunteers, and to set the standard to say that Steinbach is a place that can pull something like this off."

Enns says hopefully in the future Steinbach will be viewed as a possible venue for these higher profile events. She notes the many visitors that will be in Steinbach will also have a positive impact on local businesses.

"When we were out speaking with people they were quite excited at this event and the fact that we are going to be bringing business our way and that is the economic impact. There is definitely a positive economic impact that is an underlying factor of this event."

Enns says they have teamed up with the Steinbach Chamber of Commerce and Sport Manitoba to track the economic impact that the games have on Steinbach.

Enns says the opening ceremonies will take place at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, August 7th right behind the SRSS. She notes there will be seating provided for athletes and coaches but spectators are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.