RANT N' ROAR - DAY EIGHT
pat lechelt True sport award goes to teamnl athlete for second time in as many games
The Pat Lechelt True Sport Award was presented today at the Seaport Stage at Port Charlottetown as part of the 2023 Canada Winter Games, and Newfoundland and Labrador gymnastic athlete Gabe Flynn could not have been more deserving of such a prestigious honour.
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.
After receiving the award, Gabe said, “Honestly, it’s just amazing. I never really expected to come out here and win this award. It’s great to know that everything I’ve done up to now is appreciated. It doesn’t take much; you don’t have to go out and do big things, every little bit helps”.
Gabe is just one example of what Pat wanted in athletes and she would be proud to see him receive this award in her honour. Gabe is the epitome of the true sport principles, and leads by example whether he is at the venue, the village, or travelling with the contingent. Pat understood the value of multi-sport games and helped many host communities in preparations for hosting of the Canada Games.
Gabe was eager to thank his support system at home. “I’d love to thank my parents, my mom and dad, they are my biggest supporters and I couldn’t have done it without them”.
Chef de Mission, Tom Godden, was on hand to see Gabe receive this prestegious award. When asked about this incredible moment, he said, “What a fine example of a young man who gives so much of his own time, not only to his own sport, but to others as well. He’s quite a role model for the rest of our Team NL members, and what a way to finish off the first week of the games. Set your goals high, and work hard”.
Assistant Chef de Mission, Jamie Randell, was also present and was a little teary-eyed watching hi be introduced to the crowd. “He’s a special young man, I had an opportunity to read his bio and learn a lot about him prior to the event, and he’s very impressive. I’ve shed some tears and I’m just so proud of him. He’s a wonderful person, a great ambassador for his sport, and all-around great humanitarian. I’m sure his teammates, his coaches, and his family are very proud.”
Winning this award is a true honour and to be chosen amongst the myriad of athletes here in week one, is something Team NL is very proud of. We have no doubt in our minds that Gabe will continue to be a leader and role model for past, present, and future athletes at all levels of sport.
Gabe joins a short list of recipients for the Pal Lechelt True Sport Award including Declan Walsh (Tennis), who won the inaugural Pat Lechelt award during week 1 of the 2022 Canada Summer Games in Niagara.
MR. QUINN'S CLASS FROM DONAGH REGIONAL SHOWS ITS SUPPORT
Back before the games began, Team NL was contacted by Mr. Quinn from Donagh Regional letting us know that his class would be representing Team NL at their school for sports day! Mr. Quinn let us know that the class would be learning about Newfoundland & Labrador and the Team NL athletes throughout the games, and will be wearing Team NL colours on their sports day. One of our hockey athletes, Will Carroll, was kind enough to send a video, wishing all 22 kids in the class the best and thanking them for supporting Team NL. We'll also be seeking out Mr. Quinn during week two to see what sort of decoration we can help out with for the classroom! The picture above is what the kids have put together so far. What an amazing job by such a good group, we can't thank you all enough for supporting us while we're at the games. Go Mr. Quinn's class Go!
Chef's Corner
For many of our athletes, competition concluded by the end of the day yesterday.
Speedskating, Wheelchair Basketball, Squash and Biathlon will compete again today. Critical final placements are on the line. It is important to keep in mind that although we may be out of medal contention in these remaining events, final standings still determine points assigned to Team NL for overall placement at the Games. Let's get out and show our support to our fellow teammates!
On another note, turnaround day is tomorrow (hard to believe). Your coach will be passing along some critical information. Please ensure you follow these instructions so we can have a smooth transition as we prepare for our Week 2 athletes.
Please also remember to enjoy the moment and take in as much of the Games as you can. Enjoy your final day on PEI!
EVENT AND COMPETITION SCHEDULE
Last shot fires in brookvale
All things come to an end and all targets must drop. In a strong finish to their week of competition, some athletes were able to say “see ya later penalty loop” and ski right on by thanks to some clean shooting!”
The Team would like to say THANK YOU to the host, PEI. You have made this a memorable experience. To the Biathlon Venue officials and volunteers, WOW! You guys are dedicated! The course was to notch, even when rain and frigid temperatures tried to shut the races down.
To their coaching staff, THANK YOU for passing along your knowledge and love of this sport. The sport is small in our province but you are making in roads at all levels. Good Luck Chris as you now go on to be an assistant coach with Team Canada at the IBU cup races in Alberta.
To the athletes, you are now a member of an elite group of athletes in Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada! A Canada Games alumni. You leave now with a responsibility to help grow biathlon and all sports at home.
As you reflect, feel proud that you gave your best and nothing less!
Proud finish on the court for teamnl wheelchair basketball
Team NL made their partnered provinces proud in their final game of the 2023 Winter games. The team filled the courts with energy as they entered to a large crowd of Newfoundlanders and Nova Scotians cheering them on. It was their closest competition of the games and while Ontario took the game, the team will take their incredible experience of games with them forever. In their true team style, they gave the opposing fans an applaud on their way off of the court, leaving a truly memorable moment and a terrific performance by Newfoundland and Labrador and the athletes representing from Nova Scotia!
Way to go, Team!
Photo Credit: Bimal Grewal
Speed Skating ends games with 3000m race
Noah Bolton ended his competition today by placing 43rd overall in the longest short track race, the 3000m.
Being the lone Speed Skating athlete this week meant a lot of long days at the rink keeping himself checked in. It was a great weekfor him with many PB times and some good competition from across thec country.
Squash competition ends with some big wins
Our Squash Team Competition ended on the final day of competition with some strong results.
Our female team, bolstered by a lot of TeamNL fans in the stands, beat Team NT 3 - 1 in some tough won 5-game matches to take hom 10th place in the overall Team Competition.
On the male side, they beat Host Team PEI earlier in the morning 3 - 1 to land themselves 9th on the placement table, 2 spots ahead of their 2019 finish.
It was a great week on the court with lots of tough battles and determination.
Our ramaining TeamNL athletes spent the day clueing up their time in PEI. Many of them were found cheering on their final games for teammates and the 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 Newfoundland and Labrador was ringing out across the island. Well donw Week 1 athletes, you've made us all proud!