On Thursday evening the Michitario Friendship Games committee held their final presentation as the Michitario Friendship Games officially came to a close.  Michitario was established in 1985 with 21 Friendships games held between Sarnia, Ontario and Midland Michigan with over 16,000 people participating over the years.

The purpose of the Michitario Friendship Games was to demonstrate a community approach to international goodwill by promoting active living.  The Michitario Games provided opportunities for residents of two cities in two countries to enjoy and participate in physical activity, good-natured competition and social interaction.  The games strove to help people to understand and accept the differences of others, and to eliminate barriers which separate nations.

In keeping with the philosophy of the Games, the Michitario committee donated the balance of fundraising monies totaling $13,000.00 to several non-profit organizations in Sarnia.  The Michitario Games Committee ask that these funds be used to help disadvantage youths to participate or to provide opportunities to participate in sports. 
 

Organizations receiving donations were Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Huron House Boys Home, SMAA (Girls Fastball and Boys Baseball programs) and the Sarnia Hockey Association.

Special presentations were made to the Bingo Volunteers for their dedication over the years in providing the necessary funding to host the games. Other donations previously made to the community were the left over equipment such as hockey & basketball jerseys.  Left over T-Shirts are being sent to Haiti through Rayjon. 
The Torch and Caldron used in the opening and closing ceremonies were given to Tourism Sarnia Lambton to be made available to any group in Sarnia/Lambton that is hosting special events.

The Michitario Friendship Games trophy that traveled each year between the two cities will be on permanent display at the Sarnia Lambton Sports Hall of Fame.

file photo - closing ceremonies 2002

After the final presentations were made people in attendance shared many happy and fond memories of their
experience with the Michitario Games.  All agreed that it was a great experience that created many lasting
friendships for young and old alike.