Although the rain fell yesterday, it certainly couldn’t dampen the spirits of our Team NL athletes! While it was disappointing for some of our teams to be postponed, I know they’ll be eager and focused to get back out there today. We’re looking at a very busy schedule as sports work to make up those missed events.

One of the biggest disappointments of the Games for me is that I simply cannot be everywhere at once—I’d love to see every single competition in every sport. Still, I embrace the challenge of getting to as many as I possibly can!

Athletes, please remember to take care of yourselves along the way: stay hydrated, eat regularly, and get plenty of rest. With so much happening, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and slip out of routine.

Finally, a huge congratulations to Gavin Baggs, who captured GOLD last night in the men’s 1500m wheelchair race! The power and focus he showed as he worked his way to the front of the group was truly spectacular - and his determination was on full display as he pulled away and stormed across the finish line.  Gavin, enjoy this incredible moment as you celebrate your second medal of the Games.  We are all so proud of you!

It was a busy day for Team NL Women’s Baseball with two tough matchups: Quebec in the afternoon at Gushue Sports Complex and Ontario under the lights at St. Pat’s Ballfield.

Against Quebec, Team NL came out swinging. Julia Sharpe and Jenny Murphy sparked the offence early, while Kerry Russell nearly went deep with a double off the fence. Callie Ash, Brooke Murphy, Kate Lombard, and Jenny Murphy all chipped in with key hits as NL tallied 9 hits and 6 runs overall. Despite strong relief pitching from Lily Martin, defensive miscues allowed Quebec to capitalize and secure a 16-6 win.

In Game 2, Team NL looked sharp to start. Walks from Ash, Lombard, and Russell set the table, and Lacey McCarthy drove in two with a single to left. Maggie Cole was steady on the mound early, while clutch hitting from Jenny and Rebecca McCarthy kept NL within reach. However, fatigue on the pitching staff late in the game allowed Ontario to pull away.

Though both contests ended in defeat, Team NL showed plenty of fight at the plate and flashes of strong defence. The team will regroup quickly as they look to put everything together in their next matchup against Alberta tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. at the Gushue Sports Complex.

Day 1 of competition saw the male team face extremely tough squads from the western provinces of Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia along with an evening match against the North West Territories. The energy at the glacier was electric with the crowds into every match. Although we came out on the wrong side of the win loss column versus MB, AB and BC, the boys were able pick up their first win against NT. Strong performances on the male side for Team NL included Jake Vincent (77kg) vs MB, Luke MacPherson (92kg) vs AB, Afshin Hakimi (71kg) vs BC and Owen Pike (85kg) leading the team to victory over Northwest Territories. 

On the female side, the girls battled Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Yukon. Similar to their male counterparts the girls team ran into some tough western opponents from BC and SK.  The girl did improve throughout the matches with better body position, giving them a greater opportunity to be successful. The girls did cap off a successful first day of Competition with a win over YK to end the day. Highlighting the female side was Bryanna Hogan who brought a determined effort during each of her matches, facing some very stiff competition.

Team NL Golf battled through mist, wind, and cool 10-degree weather in Round 2 today, showing stronger nerves and some great shots.

Results:

• Men: Sam Fisher tied for 16th (82), Lucan Meade 21st (87)
  
  

• Women: Freya Snook 13th (84), Mila Snook 16th (88)
  
  

After two rounds, Team NL sits 10th overall.

Round 3 Tee Times – Aug 21:

• Men: Sam Fisher 7:30 a.m., Lucan Meade 7:40 a.m.
  
  

• Women: Mila Snook 8:50 a.m., Freya Snook 9:00 a.m.
  
  

Keep swinging, Team NL - we’re cheering you on!

It was another event-filled day at the Fortis Canada Games Complex for Team NL athletics. With much more favourable weather, our athletes continued their impressive performances on both the track and the field.

Qualification heats made up most of today’s schedule, with some Team NL athletes moving forward thanks to personal best times and photo finishes. Final races will take place later this week, with an off-day for training tomorrow.

On the field, Team NL competed in several jumping events and shot put. A special shout-out goes to Rae Gosse, who set a new provincial U18 record in the shot put.

Along with training during tomorrow’s non-competition day, Team NL athletics is also planning to enjoy some of the other sports at the Games together.

It was a challenging night for Team NL as they faced a strong Manitoba squad. Our athletes left it all on the floor, and their determination to battle until the final whistle was clear. Every shift is a chance to learn and grow, and tonight was no exception. Goaltender Austen Brake was outstanding, making 54 saves, while Lennox Armstrong scored Team NL’s shorthanded goal on a fast break. A packed arena cheered the team on, thank you to all our families and supporters for the incredible energy!

Earlier, Team NL went head-to-head with PEI at the Paradise Double Ice Complex in front of a near-capacity crowd. NL opened the scoring just seven minutes in, but PEI responded quickly and capitalized on a penalty to take a 2-1 lead into the second period. Goaltender Grady Fudge was a wall in net, stopping 50 of 59 shots in a tough, physical game dominated by PEI on the shot clock (59-15).

Team NL returns to the floor tonight at 8:00 p.m. against Manitoba in Rink B.

Team NL faced a tough challenge in their first game of the day, falling 11–0. Despite the scoreline, the players battled hard and showed resilience against a strong opponent. While the bats were quiet today, the team will look to reset, regroup, and come out stronger in the next game.

Team NL left it all on the field but fell just short in a tough 2-1 loss in the bottom of the 10th inning. It was a pitchers' duel from the start, with both sides keeping runs at a premium. The combination of pitcher Mark Corbett and catcher Jackson Boland were outstanding. NL fought hard to keep the game within reach, answering back when needed and pushing the matchup into extra innings.

In the 10th, however, the opposition managed to plate the winning run, handing NL a heartbreaking walk-off defeat. Despite the loss, Team NL showed grit and determination, proving they can compete in tight, high-pressure games.

Team NL’s artistic swimmers lit up the pool today with skill, creativity, and connection.

Duets: Abigail Tee & Amelia Coady delivered a powerful, synchronized routine full of energy and precision, while twin sisters Abby & Emma Hickey impressed with seamless timing and innovative choreography.

Team Event: Abby, Abigail P, Abigail T, Amelia, Emma, Lauren, and Mia joined forces for a dynamic routine that blended strength, grace, and unity in the water.

From duets to team performances, Team NL showcased talent and dedication - the future is bright in the pool!

After two good days of training, the Women's team hit the pitch with a lot of built up energy. A bad bounce early led to a Saskatchewan goal just four minutes in. However NL did not let this deter them and pressed hard, controlling the play until Millie Janes broke through and forced team Sask to take her down in the box , leading to a penalty kick. Millie stepped to the line and made no mistake to knot the score at 1 around the 17 minute mark. 

Teams then traded some ball control and chances with both goalies making some key saves. Team NL back end were solid throughout the match and kept the Sask strikers at bay while goalkeeper Carly Coffey shut the door when called upon. 

The game remained tied at half. The second half was much like the first with both teams not giving the other team much room to work with. A couple of questionable offsides had some of the NL faithful shaking their heads. This set up a great last 5 minutes as NL were the beneficiary of some great work midfield and hustle which forced a corner kick with about 3 mins left. A beautiful corner into the box led to a scramble in front of the net only for Millie to find the ball at her foot and she made no mistake , sliding it just inside the post for her second of the game and a NL lead with just 3 minutes to play. 

Several minutes of injury time passed and NL held strong for a huge 2-1 victory to the delight of the NL contingent. 

This now sets the stage for a even bigger match tomorrow against team Alberta with the winner taking top spot in the group and a spot in Saturdays semi final match. Game time tomorrow is 3:30 pm at KGV Soccer field. Get out and support the girls if time permits. Go #TeamNL

Team NL’s mountain bikers took on the challenging Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) course today at the Canada Games with heart, determination, and true team spirit. With two female and three male riders representing the province, the athletes showed grit and resilience on a demanding course that tested both endurance and technical skill.

Despite facing tough competition, the team delivered strong performances throughout the race. A flat tire mid-race tested the resolve of one of our riders, but they pushed through with determination—an inspiring display of perseverance that reflects the character of Team NL.

Each athlete gave their all on the course, representing Newfoundland and Labrador with pride. Their effort, sportsmanship, and support for one another did not go unnoticed and earned respect from fellow competitors and spectators alike.

Congratulations to our mountain bikers on an incredible effort today. Team NL is proud of you!

Our boys took to the court today in a tough matchup against Quebec. Despite dropping three straight sets (25–12, 25–23, 25–16), the team showed resilience and determination throughout the match.

The highlight came in the second set, where Team NL pushed Quebec right to the wire. Strong serving and impressive blocking from Brayden Ralph helped keep the set close and gave the team a surge of momentum.

While the result didn’t go our way, the effort, hustle, and teamwork on display showed the heart of this squad. Team NL continues to fight with pride, and the experience gained today will fuel their play moving forward in the tournament.

In their third battle of these Games, Team NL came out a bit flat, as Yukon came to play. You could feel the tension, as neither side was willing to concede the set, but in the end Yukon came out on top by the skin of their teeth, 26 - 24. But never count out the fighting spirit of our Newfoundland squad as they fought back to take the second set 25 - 22. The third was much the same, with momentum swinging in favour and against both teams, with no clear cut winner until the final set, when they won 25 - 23. Yukon came storming back in the fourth, unwilling to give up the fight, and just like the others, this set did not disappoint. In the end, after many lead changes, Team NL finally came out on top, winning the fourth and final set 25-23, to thunderous applause from the hometown crowd. They stand undefeated at 3-0. The battle continues tomorrow at 4:30 pm.