I know to most people if you mention 'the Games' right now, they probably think of the Olympics, but this week there's another celebration – the countdown to the Halifax 2011 Canada Games!

The Countdown Celebration begins tomorrow, Thursday, February 11, which is one year from the Opening Ceremonies of the Games, and runs until Tuesday February 16. This day is "Nova Scotia Day", with celebrations at the 2010 Olympics and, of course, here in Nova Scotia.

So what does this mean for local families? Free family fun! Such a nice ring to it, no?

There are free parent and tot skates at Gray Arena in Dartmouth on Friday February 12 at 1-3pm and on Monday February 15 at 2-4pm, and at LeBrun Centre in Bedford on Tuesday February 16 at 10-11am. On Saturday February 13 at 3:30-5pm there is a free family swim at Cole Harbour Place. There are also free public skates and open swims at various locations – click here and here for details. 

On Tuesday, February 16 there is a big celebration down at Grand Parade from noon-1:30pm that sounds like a lot of fun: "A pick-up game of street hockey like you’ve never seen before, featuring the talents of local athletes, celebrities, volunteers, politicians, and 2011 partners. Live music and video displays will pump up the lunch hour as we celebrate Nova Scotia Day and end our One Year Countdown Celebration with a bang."

It seems to be a week to be out and about, as live sports demos and interactive games will be popping up in unexpected places around the HRM. Where? Can't help you there – it's all very hush-hush, I'm afraid. Follow the 2011 Canada Games on twitter or become a fan on Facebook to be let in on the secret. I'll also be passing on what information I come across on HRM Parent's Facebook fan page and twitter account, but of course follow the 2011 Canada Games if you want to be sure you don't miss out.

For more information, check out the 2011 Canada Games website.