Wow, what a show! The 2025 Canada Games officially kicked off last night with an Opening Ceremony that set the tone for an unforgettable two weeks ahead. While we sang our hearts out entering the Mary Brown’s Centre, this was certainly not an “Ordinary Day!”

A huge thank you to the Host Society for a fantastic production and to the hundreds of volunteers who made it all possible. It was a proud moment to see so many of our Team NL members take part in the ceremony. Congratulations to Beach Volleyball Coach Finton Gaudette for pledging the Coaches’ Oath on behalf of all coaches, and to Declan Walsh (Tennis) and Gillian Smith (Swimming) for pledging on behalf of all athletes. Jeremy Jones (Athletics) proudly carried the torch, passing it on to light the Canada Games cauldron. And kudos to our Flag Bearer, Nathan Luscombe, who not only led Team NL into the Opening Ceremony but also delivered an outstanding address at the Opening Press Conference.

We’re ready to carry last night’s momentum into Day 1 of competition as we cheer on our Beach Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, and Box Lacrosse, and Swimming teams.

Let’s go, Team NL!  Do your best, nothing less!

Team NL tops a strong NWT team 107-70. Huge performance from Ryder English who lit it up from behind the arc, stunning the NWT defence with 37 points. Team NL performed in front of a packed house at the NL Sports Centre with the home crowd cheering them on!

They will rest tomorrow and return to action on Tuesday vs PEI.

Team NL Women's Beach Volleyball had a successful run in the sun today! 

In their first game against Northwest Territories, Sylvie LeMoine and Katherine Szmadyla, took two sets 21-18, 21-16. 

Next game against the Yukon the pair scored 21-9, 21-12 to take the win. 

The Men's Beach team had a close game with New Brunswick losing shy of 17-21,10-21.

Kieran Cutler powered Team NL to a 9-7 win over Team Manitoba in the first game of the day, driving in four runs, including a second-inning grand slam. Team NL jumped ahead early, scoring five in the second and reclaiming the lead in the fifth with three walks after Manitoba tied it. Luke Hatcher pitched six solid innings, while Graham Noseworthy closed with a scoreless seventh.

Team NL started strong against NS in their 2nd game today with Alex McGrath’s three-run homer in the first inning, showing their offensive power early. Jack McCarthy struck out six in over five innings, keeping Team Nova Scotia within reach despite some defensive challenges. While Team Nova Scotia took the 9-3 win, Team NL's early momentum, solid pitching moments, and balanced hitting give plenty to build on heading into their next matchup against Team New Brunswick on 7pm Monday at St. Pat's.

Women's Basketball showed their grit and determination until the final buzzer despite falling 77-53 to team Saskatchewan. Coryssa Tucker dished 12 points and was a strong presence on the glass. Lauren Gillis also contributed 11 points. They look to rebound tomorrow, early morning 8:30am against Yukon.

Women's Box Lacrosse played their first match today against Manitoba. The first goal was scored by Sophie Dillon (for the first ever Team NL goal!) with assist by Cali Fitzgerald, and the second scored by Adrienne Shannahan unassisted. 

The team showed huge improvement today and it showed with their incredible performance. Determination and pride in representing Team NL was worn with pride and determination on all of their jerseys today.

Team NL put up a strong fight but fell 5-2 to Team Manitoba Sunday afternoon at the Caribou Memorial Softball Complex. Alexis Chaytor shone at the plate, going 2-for-3 with an RBI, while the defense turned a key double play. Kate Dalton worked seven innings in the circle, limiting damage and keeping her team in the game.

Team NL dominated Team Yukon 15-2 on in their second game of the day. Rachel O’Brien led the charge with five RBIs on three hits, including an inside-the-park homer. Halle Joy added key hits, while Jane Coady and Paige Pomroy contributed to a balanced 10-hit attack. Hannah Healey was outstanding on the mound, striking out 11 over five innings without an error from the defense. The team ended the day with a 1-1 record and now turns their focus to Monday’s matchup against Team Québec at 6:30 pm. 

The Women’s Rugby 7’s team are still in practice mode.  The team had a late afternoon workout in preparation for their opening game against British Columbia on Monday at 8:00 am. 

Today the girls had a chance to go visit other sporting venues to cheer on many NL teams.  Others chilled at the Athletes Village .  

The Canada Games provides athletes with an opportunity to experience  different sports at the highest level, as well as meet new friends!

Enjoy it all Girls!  These Games will be a lifetime memory!

Team NL kicked off Day 1 of the 2025 Canada Games with a spirited 9–10 a.m. training session at the Fortis Canada Games Complex. The athletes brought high energy, sharpening skills and refining strategies ahead of tomorrow’s 7:30 p.m. opener against Manitoba at the same venue. 

Spirits were sky-high as the team left practice confident and united. Adding to the excitement, it was Manager Jill Antle’s birthday, celebrated with cheers and a joyful team photo after the session.

Team NL started off their non competition day bright and early to beat the heat with a practice at Riverdale Tennis Club.  After an energetic and focused practice the players spent the remainder of the day checking out some events at the Village and supporting their fellow Team NL athletes at Beach Volleyball and Box Lacrosse.  The team is excited and eager to start their competitions tomorrow against NT.