Montreal is marking the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Olympic Games with a year-long program of events across the city.
The City of Montreal, Olympic Park, Parc Jean-Drapeau and the Canadian Olympic Committee unveiled the programming on Monday, alongside Quebec minister Chantal Rouleau.
Organizers say the initiative will feature exhibitions, sporting events, cultural activities and educational programming, with many events offered free of charge.
Highlights include a family-friendly open house at the Olympic Basin on July 4, featuring sports activities, athlete appearances and entertainment, as well as a major commemorative show at Olympic Park on Aug. 1 marking 50 years since the Games’ closing ceremony.
The event will also feature Olympic tribute moments and the debut of an official anniversary song performed by Montreal artist Loud.
Other programming includes outdoor cinema nights at Parc Jean-Drapeau, new exhibitions, guided experiences and interactive installations exploring the legacy of the 1976 Games. Several major sporting events will also take place throughout the summer.
Olympic legend, Nadia Comaneci, who famously scored the first perfect 10 at the Olympic Games, will take part in Montreal’s summer festivities and is expected to visit the city. In a message to fans, she ended with: “Montreal, j’arrive.”
On Aug. 1, organizer are also inviting all Nadia’s in Montreal to register and take part in a special gathering alongside Comaneci, paying tribute to her historic Olympic achievement.
Organizers say the celebrations aim to highlight Montreal’s Olympic heritage while engaging communities across the city.
The 50th Anniversary Space in the Olympic Stadium Rotunda is also scheduled to open on May 16, allowing visitors to learn more about Montreal’s Olympic history. Guided tours will also be offered at the Olympic Park.
More news will be announced in the coming weeks.
—With files from The Canadian Press, first published in French and translated by CityNews
