The 4th Annual ATV Jamboree in Manitouwadge, for which the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) was a major sponsor, was once again a huge summer success.

The ATV (all-terrain vehicle) is a common mode of transportation and recreation in a lot of northern Ontario communities. The organizers say the event celebrates the culture and boosts the economy at the same time.

“What a great weekend once again,” said Carole Desilets, one of the organizers of the event that took place in late July. “Since we started four years ago, our annual summer event keeps getting bigger and better.”

This year, there were 120 participants, many of whom travelled to Manitouwadge for a weekend of fun, including the Meet and Greet Golf Shoot Out at the Municipal Golf Course. On the big day of racing, a poker run added a little extra juice, as teams made their way through the mud and over the many kilometres of trails. Cash prizes went out to the first three spots.

“This would not have been possible without the members of our planning committee and the many volunteers who donated their time and enthusiasm,” Ms. Desilets added. “We also want to thank all our corporate sponsors, like the NWMO, that have supported this great community event since the beginning.”

NWMO Relationship Manager for the area, Norman Sandberg, helped out on the trails as a volunteer.

“I was particularly impressed by what a terrific job everyone does to welcome people to the community,” Mr. Sandberg noted. “I can see why so many people have been coming back to Manitouwadge year after year. Congratulations to everyone involved.”

The event is organized by the Marathon Economic Development Corporation with the assistance of the Township of Manitouwadge.