Final countdown

The billboards around Grand Falls-Windsor that have been counting down the days to the 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games have made their way from the mid-range double digits and is now reading the number two.

"I can't wait for the games to start," said Promotions Committee Chair, Randy Larcombe. "I think they're going to be absolutely wonderful and the best thing about being involved is seeing the smiles on the kids' faces- that's what it's all about. I guarantee its going to be a first class event and the kids are going to have a lot of fun."

With athletes, coaches, parents and spectators from across the province descending on the community, Mr. Larcombe believes the town and its residents are both ready and excited to welcome them and participate in the events - using another festive tradition to bring some spirit to the games.

"It's going to be a great thing," said Mr. Larcombe. "That's why were asking the people of the town who still have their Christmas lights up to turn them on as a nice welcoming for the athletes to our town."

As part of the Winter Games committee, Mr. Larcombe has seen first hand all of the work it has taken to get to this point he is confident in what will be presented this coming week.

"There has been so much work put in by all these people and all these committees - accommodations, transportation, medical, and so on," he said. "They've put in hundreds of hours trying to make sure this runs as best as it can and I have no doubt that it will."

With a week filled with various sports and competition, Mr. Larcombe expects to see people circulating the various venues throughout the week both fans and volunteers of the Games.

"I expect to see a lot of my fellow volunteers to be very busy and when we go around and talk to them all we're going to find out is things are going well," he said.