After being defunct for the past three years, the Moose Mountain Regional Winter Games is getting revived this Jan. 29-Feb. 1 weekend in Midale.

Chairperson Jeannette Draude said they are expecting about 300 from around the Moose Mountain region, which extends from Halbrite to the Manitoba border, to converge on Midale for the Games. Athletes from the Wheatland-Souris and Pipe-si-cana regions were also invited.

Midale was the first community to bid on the Winter Games in three years, said Draude, but they were last held in the town back in 1990.

"So it's been 14 years since it was here," said Draude. "People said it was a lot of fun and brought a lot of people to the rink and to the community."

This all-ages event will be staged at the Harry O Memorial Arena and Civic Centre, the local school, senior citizen's centre, curling club and in the outdoors.

There are a large number of events to enter, including pool, figure skating, curling, volleyball, cards, shooting, shuffleboard and a skidoo derby.

All athletes coming out to Midale were to pre-register by Monday except for some of the outdoor events, which are being held on a drop-in basis, Draude said.

The purpose of the Winter Games is to "stress participation rather than competition," said Draude.

"That is the primary goal: to offer as many events in as many categories as possible, to appeal to as many people as possible. There's less emphasis on competition."

There are a few events being held in conjunction with the Games. Opening ceremonies will be held Friday, Jan. 29, at 8 p.m. in the Harry O Arena, followed by a rec hockey game between the Midale Devils and Estevan Strippers. This will be followed by a social.

On Saturday, Jan. 30, there will be a pancake breakfast at the civic centre from 8-11 a.m. The breakfast is open to everyone.

The Games end with closing ceremonies at 6 p.m. Since medals are handed out after events, the ceremonies will mostly be held to extend thanks to the volunteers and athletes, said Draude.

However, Midale is also hosting an art exhibition this weekend put on by the Public Library and rec board, open to artists throughout the region. Winners of that exhibition will be awarded at the closing ceremonies.

This exhibition is separate from the Games, said Draude, but organizers are holding it this weekend because of the large number of people expected to be in Midale.

For more information on the Moose Mountain Regional Winter Games, contact Draude at the Harry O Memorial Arena.