RANT N' ROAR - DAY 10
AUGUST 19
RANT N' ROAR - DAY 10
AUGUST 19
It was rain, drizzle and fog in the air, but golden on the track for Gavin Baggs in the Male 1500m Wheelchair race. Despite the inclement weather, Gavin had an exceptional race, with his home province including all of Team NL cheering him on. Congrats to Gavin on his second medal of these Games after his impressive silver-medal performance earlier in Week One, where he raced to the podium in the 400m Freestyle Para Swimming event on opening day. Team NL now has 4 medals and its' first gold medal!
As for other events, many qualification rounds were completed today, with Team NL athletes achieving several personal best times, setting new provincial records and qualifying for the finals later this week, putting themselves in great positions. All in all a great day for everyone involved, and you could feel the energy around the track.
Another day of competition tomorrow, with the team hoping to keep the spirits high and the temperatures warmer!
What a wonderful spectacle we witnessed at St. Pat’s last night as Team NL faced Team BC in the very first Canada Games Female Baseball game. It was a truly historic moment. With no other competitions on the schedule, all eyes were on this groundbreaking matchup, and it did not disappoint.
Seeing female athletes from across the country parade onto the field to be part of Canadian history was nothing short of inspiring. I grew up in a time when girls simply didn’t play male-dominated sports like hockey or baseball, so to watch these strong, confident women step onto the diamond was deeply moving.
The evening was made even more special by our own superstar and Canada Games alumni, Jaida Lee, who delivered a perfect ceremonial first pitch. The excitement in the air was unmistakable.
While Team NL may not have claimed the win on the scoreboard, they certainly won the hearts of families, supporters, and volunteers who cheered with pride until the very last out.
Today, the focus shifts as many of our athletes—both in individual and team competitions—take their turn to write their own stories at these Games.
Team NL opened female volleyball at the Canada Games with two strong wins. They defeated Team Nunavut 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-21), energized by the hometown crowd and steady setting from Kate Reimer. Later, they carried that momentum into a match against Team Northwest Territories, winning another straight-set victory (25-10, 25-20, 25-18). Kianna Moore led with powerful kills, supported by key blocks from Nevaeh Pilgrim and consistent serving across the roster. With back-to-back dominant performances, Team NL made a statement on day one, showcasing their strength, teamwork, and determination in front of home fans.
Team NL Men’s Volleyball put up a strong fight against Saskatchewan in their opening match. Despite falling in three sets (22-25, 13-25, 21-25), the team showed grit and determination throughout. The final set looked out of reach, but Caleb Gould sparked a late rally with big right side hits, sharp serving, and back-row attacks that kept the crowd energized. With plenty of positives to build on, the team is now shifting focus to their next matchup against Quebec tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. at the Field House.
Team NL was proudly represented today at the Aquarena as Mia Fradsham and Abigail Porter took to the pool for their solo performances.
Both athletes shone in their sequined suits, gelled hair, and sparkling headpieces—showcasing artistry, strength, and true Team NL spirit
Proud of you girls, GO Team NL!
Team NL’s Wrestling squad wrapped up their final tune-up today with a spirited and high-tempo practice. The energy was strong as athletes shifted into mental preparation mode in the afternoon, along with media interviews, ahead of tonight’s weigh-in at 6:30.
Competition kicks off tomorrow at the Glacier, with the female team taking on Saskatchewan and British Columbia starting at 9:00 a.m. The male squad follows at 10:15 a.m., facing Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Northwest Territories.
The Women's Team had another day of training as they prepared for their opening game tomorrow vs team Sask. The weather wasn't great but that didn't deter this team as they went through their routines. They worked on some small area games and some defensive zone tactics. The coaches ironed out some last minute kinks and this team looks ready to hit the turf tomorrow at King George V Field. Game time is 3:30pm so let's get out to support this team and give them the home town boost. Go team NL, go Women's Soccer.
Team NL Golf opened their competition today with the first of four 18-hole rounds. Battling through wind and rain, the athletes rose to the challenge and embraced the support of the home crowd. Any opening-day nerves quickly gave way to excitement, leaving the team even more motivated for tomorrow’s play.
Results from Round One:
Male
• Sam Fisher: Tied for 17th (score: 81)
• Lucan Meade: Tied for 20th (score: 86)
Female
• Freya Snook: 14th place (score: 89)
• Mila Snook: Tied for 15th (score: 92)
With more favorable weather ahead, Team NL is set for a strong continuation in this four-day cumulative score competition.
A special shout-out to coaches Wayne Allan, Sas Sparrow, and apprentice coach Taylor Cormier, for enduring the weather today and finished with smiles!
Good luck tomorrow, Team NL Golf- you’ve already made us proud!
The Women’s Baseball team began preparations for tonight’s game by having a team meeting. Unfortunately, the weather caused their game to be cancelled. They didn’t let the weather spoil their fun though. They took the opportunity to go and watch some other sports and support Team NL. They watched some athletics, some parasport preheats, and then both the boys and girls volleyball games. Do you think they are having fun?!
Tomorrow will be a busy day as they take on Quebec at 11:30 am at Team Gushue Sports Complex and Ontario at 8:30 pm at St. Pats.
Cheers were heard all over Paradise Tuesday evening as Team NL Played its first game ever in Canada Games history. Andrew Baker scored Newfoundlands first ever goal 7 mins into the first period to tie the game at 1-1. Followed by Issac Hawkins to bring Team NL 2 goals for the game. Although the game didn’t end in our favour, our goalies made some great saves throughout the game as NB were always pressuring the net. Back at it tomorrow for two games with us taking on PEI and 2:00 p.m. and Manitoba at 8:00 a.m. Good luck tomorrow gents.
Today was a special moment for 12-year-old Juan Diego, who competed in his one and only event—the men’s 3m artistic dive—at the 2025 Canada Summer Games. After a focused morning practice and an afternoon interview with CBC News, he stepped onto the board in front of a supportive crowd of family, friends, and Team NL fans.
With each dive, Juan Diego showed poise and talent, earning loud cheers from the hometown audience. His competitions may be done for these Games, but his future is bright. A proud moment of sportsmanship also came when his father and Team NL coach, Jose, stepped in to coach a Nova Scotia diver whose coach was unwell.
Way to go, Juan Diego and Jose!
Rainy mornings didn’t stop this crew! The team headed out for some light training today despite the wet weather—keeping the legs moving and the spirits high.
After the ride, our athletes sat down with CBC Radio for interviews, sharing their excitement and focus heading into competition.
The rest of the afternoon was all about recovery and prep. They did some bike maintenance, had a team meeting to go over race strategy, and made sure everyone got a chance to recharge. Early to bed tonight. Tomorrow's the big day — XCO competition is on!
Team NL’s first softball matchup was postponed due to weather and has been rescheduled for Friday, August 22 at 9:00 a.m. Unfortunately, Game 2 was also delayed, cancelling all softball action for the day. While disappointed, the team made the most of it with team meetings, bonding activities, and taking in other events around the Village. The schedule now ramps up quickly, with Team NL set for three games per day over the next couple of days. The players are eager and ready to hit the field when play resumes!