A low, but collective moan rippled through the crowd of fans and athletes as Governor General David Johnston declared the Canada Winter Games officially over Sunday.
"The Canada Winter Games have been such a wonderful coming together of all that is good about our country: diversity, fair play, excellence all were on display in Prince George over the past 18 days," said Johnston.
It was an anticlimactic moment in the closing ceremonies mostly coloured by pomp and pyrotechnics.
Teams walked through the several hundred thick crowd and underneath a structure that released sky-high shots of fire to gather in the middle of University of Northern B.C.'s Agora courtyard. They created a circle mosaic of coloured toques, flags and even cowbells.
High on various stages performers broke the calm of speeches. First up, Fort St. James' Jerusha White followed by the anthem, by 100 Prince George singers to represent the city's 100th anniversary. There was also Cody Karey, who serenaded a cluster of volunteers in their now-familiar green garb.
Even Mr. PG made an entrance after local comedian and performer Adam Harisimiuk used the cheers of the crowd to put air in the eight-metre city symbol.
He served as a backdrop against a cloudless sky for speakers like Tom Quinn who told athletes they have the talent and energy, but should think of where they see themselves in the next four to six years.
"Athletes celebrate your moment, but also set your sights on the next steps, dream big," said Quinn, who is the chairman of the Canada Games Council. "It all starts with a plan, a vision and a commitment. You are now very good, and you have the opportunity and potential to be great."
He praised Prince George, the volunteers and the athletes, who came from more than 800 communities across Canada.
"Emerging stars have been recognized and records have fallen."
Anthony Everett, chair of the Canada Winter Games echoed the gratitude for what his organization said has been more than 4,000 volunteers for the two-week event.
"I've had an emotional day," said Everett, to start his speech before turning his back to the crowd for a selfie, as he did in the opening ceremonies.
"I've never been more proud to come from this community and be a Canadian and the green jackets exemplify that," said Everett in reference to the colour of coat worn by the volunteers.
"The experience has illuminated our community, region and province as we have shared our pride and our passion."
Mayor Lyn Hall passed the Games flag to Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman, who was dressed in the trademark Team Toba fluorescent yellow jackets. The city will host the Summer Winter Games in 2017.
The Games closed as they have every night, with an explosion of fireworks. The music blared as ice carvers shaved out the new logo for the 2017 Games and the crowd took part in what organizers called an "ice jam" as giant white balls bounced through the crowd and white-dressed dancers waved silver banners.
