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Outdoor U of M track resurfaced as part of 2017 Canada Summer Games

The track at the University of Manitoba got a facelift in preparation for the 2017 Canada Summer Games. Mitch Rosset / Global News

WINNIPEG — The outdoor track and field facility at the University of Manitoba is receiving a $2-million facelift to prepare it for the 2017 Canada Summer Games.

The 17-year-old track surface was replaced this summer. More improvements will be done next year. The U of M will be home to the athletics portion of the 2017 Canada Summer Games. Once renovations are completed, the facility will hold an IAAF Class II certification meaning the only event it can’t host is the Olympics. Eight tracks in Canada currently hold the same designation.

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“This facility is an important training and competition venue,” Jeff Hnatiuk, CEO of the 2017 Canada Summer Games said. “It has provided the foundation for thousands of Manitobans to achieve their personal best over the past 48 years. The upgrades will help developing athletes as we enhance our province’s capacity to host national and international competitions.”

Roughly 18 other facilities will receive improvements ahead of the 2017 Canada Summer Games. Officials have already plunged money into the Pan Am Pool for a new bulkhead. Construction has also already started on the Canada Summer Games Sport for Life Centre in downtown Winnipeg. All three levels of government are investing millions of dollars to update or build new facilities for the multi-sport event.

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More than 4,000 athletes will compete in 16 sports between July 28 and August 13, 2017. Winnipeg has never hosted a Canada Summer Games before.

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