Medals crafted by local artist for the Orillia 2020 Ontario Winter Games this month unveiled
Ontario Winter Games will feature 3,500 athletes competing in 27 sports
The Orillia 2020 Ontario Winter Games are just around the corner and local artist Tony Bianco has revealed the specially crafted medals he designed that will be presented to the winning athletes.
“It’s exciting to have a part in that moment when an athlete wins something and cherishes that medal,” said Bianco, a well-known local painter who has also designed numerous commemorative coins for the Royal Canadian Mint. “
Bianco said one side of the medal focuses on elements associated with the Games, while the other side reflects the host community. “We wanted to have a strong Orillia presence that reflects our hosting the event, which celebrates the volunteers and what the Games mean to a City like Orillia.”
Peter Bowen, who heads up the medals committee, said when he finally saw – and held – the medals, he was impressed.
“I was delighted,” said Bowen, who volunteered for the same role when Orillia hosted the multi-sport event in 2018.
“We really, really liked the medals we had (in 2018), but they were a two-inch medal and this time we increased the size and opted for a three-inch medal to give it even more presence,” said Bowen.
“I’m quite pleased with the weight of it; it feels substantial,” said Bowen, who added “it’s a good reward for all the efforts the athletes have put into earning it.”
More than 3,500 athletes, coaches and officials, plus thousands of spectators will descent upon the Orillia area for the games which take place February 27-March 1.
Athletes will compete in 27 sports.For more information about the Games, visit www.orillia2020.ca
Banner picture of Tony Bianco provided: Orillia 2020 Ontario Winter Games