RANT N' ROAR - DAY SEVEN
TEAM NL's DECLAN WALSH RECEIVES PAT LECHELT TRUE SPORT AWARD
The Inaugural Pat Lechelt True Sport Award was presented today at Niagara Place as part of the 2022 Canada Summer Games, and Newfoundland and Labrador tennis and our province can boast about athlete and fine young man, Declan Walsh, who is the first-ever recipient of this award.
“It was such an honour to receive the Pat Lechelt True Sport Award. Canada Games was such a great experience, and I’m so glad I got to spend the time with my teammates. It was amazing to meet so many new people - from the athletes from other provinces to the volunteers, mission staff, and everyone else who made this Canada Games one of the greatest experiences of my life,” said TeamNL athlete, Declan Walsh.
Pat Lechelt was known around this country as one of the leading Chef’s de Mission who guided her province of Alberta to the Centennial Cup and led her team to the Jack Pelech award, which is bestowed upon the province that demonstrates the true spirit and congeniality among provinces/territories at the Canada Games.
Declan personifies what Pat wanted in athletes and she would be proud to see Declan receive this award in her honour. Pat understood the value of multi-sport games and helped many host communities in preparations for hosting of the Canada Games.
“After hearing about who Pat Lechelt was and how much she contributed to the Canada Games legacy of fair play and sportsmanship, it truly is something I will always be proud of,” said Declan.
Winning this award is not a token, it’s a true honour and to be chosen among over 2000 + athletes is something Team NL is very proud of. Declan is truly humbled by this and will continue to do great things to ensure he’s a role model for others competing at a high level.
For more information, see the press release.
Chef's Corner
As more of our Team NL athletes finished up their competitions yesterday evening and into this morning, I am happy to say that the Newfoundland team spirit has been a continuous theme with our athletes. They carried with them the feel of home by having fun and being welcoming to all other provincial teams during competition.
During week one, I have made it a point throughout to attend as many sports to see athletes compete in their competitions as I can. And, all of our week one mission staff also came together to made it a point to attend various competition events in support of their fellow mission staff, and week one Team NL athletes – baseball, beach volleyball, basketball, soccer, rugby, mountain biking, softball, swimming, tennis wrestling, and triathlon.
In week two of the 2022 Niagara Canada Summer Games, 124 athletes, 18 coaches, 14 support staff, and 11 mission staff who will represent Team Newfoundland and Labrador beginning on August 14th. I look forward to having our athletics, golf, and volleyball athletes in Niagara, and excited to see them compete.
Baseball (Male) team ends time on fields
The Team NL baseball players fell 10-0 to Team Prince Edward Island in their consolation game yesterday at Oakes Park.
While the tournament is over for Team NL, the team is attending the Blue Jays game on Saturday in support of teammate Jaida Lee who is throwing first pitch ahead of the start of the game!
rugby athletes
Our Rugby 7s girls clued up their 2022 Canada Games competition on Thursday, but have been able to still enjoy everything the Niagara Region has to offer. You can't be this close to the falls and not take in the splendour, so that's exactly what they did today. What a great memory to share with great teammates.
Beach Volleyball teams end time on sandy courts
Our beach teams wrapped up their weeks at Niagara Place yesterday evening with final placing games.
Mark Mercer and Isaac Buckingham rounded out their tournament with a final 2-0 win over YT, placing them in 11th. Alyssa Warford and Alex Williams followed suit with their own win, beating Team Prince Edward Island 2-0 to end the tournament in 9th.
Photo Credit: John Clark, Canada Games photographer.
Basketball (Male) win last game of competition
The men’s team finished out the Canada Games in style today. Defeating MB to place 7th. Cameron Standford lead the team with 32 points and 18 rebounds, Rogan Betts had a massive game scoring 29 points on 8/11 from 3 point range. Mark Tobin battled through some of bumps and bruises to score 16 points, and Marc McShane chipped in with 13 points and. Outstanding passing to break the Manitoba pressure.
A complete effort on the court and bench today once again. The guys supported each other through the 3rd game in 36 hours to get the victory! A number of the female basketball team players took in the game, sitting court side to cheer them on.
This caps off a very successful week on the court.
Tennis team had great week at games
Team NL Tennis came oh so close to getting the victory today but fell 4-2 to New Brunswick. Aiden Drover-Mattinen won his singles match 6-0,6-1 over Jeff Bodner and Declan Walsh pulled out a 6-3,1-6,6-4 marathon over Ben Hamilton. Men’s and ladies doubles were close matches but in the end NB managed to pull out the wins. We improved our standing from the last Games by two positions finishing in 8th place.
The team had a great week and made many memories.
Wrestling
Male and Female wrestlers took some time to visit the beach after ending their week at the Games It was a great way to end an unbelievable experience for them all.
Baseball team
The Team NL baseball players had an experience of a lifetime their last day in Niagara. The team got on the field prior to today's Guardians / Blue Jays game at Rogers Centre.
While they were there to take in the game, they were also there in support of teammate Jaida Lee, who threw out the ceremonial opening pitch.
A great day celebrating baseball....and the Jays won 2-1.
Mountain bikers take to bikes on day off
Even though the competition is over, the guys, Carter Stratton, Brandon Seaward, Braeden Peddle, Team NL’s Mountain Bikers still took to their bikes. They decided to ride to Niagara Falls on their bikes and did the 25km ride in 45 minutes. The guys have had a great time and have made lifelong friends and memories here at the 2025 Canada Summer Games.