There’s always a unique atmosphere around the Village on turnaround day. Our Week 1 athletes are leaving with heavy hearts, saying goodbye to the Games environment and the new friends they’ve made along the way, but also with excitement to be back at home with their families and supporters. And as one chapter closes, another begins. While Week 1 athletes move out, our Week 2 athletes will soon be arriving at the Village, ready to experience everything these home Games have to offer.

As Week 1 comes to a close, I couldn’t be more proud. The volunteers and staff have shared nothing but praise for the sportsmanship, manners, and resilience shown by our athletes. The level of competition, determination, and pride they brought to every field of play was everything we could have hoped for and more. Remember—doing your best, nothing less.

To our Week 1 athletes: thank you for wearing the Team NL colours with pride and setting such a strong example for those who follow. To our Week 2 athletes: we cannot wait to welcome you into the Village here in St. John’s, to see your excitement, and to watch you embrace the incredible opportunity that is the Canada Games on home soil.

Beach volleyball came to a conclusion today with both teams having captured some mental goals. Though they didn’t break into the top 8, each team continued to show growth and improvement.

Despite adversity mid-games when fire and smoke postponed competition, the women’s team finished 6-1 (13-3 sets) to cap off a 9th place finish. The men’s team finished 4-3 (8-8 sets) to complete a 10th place run. 

Sylvie, Katherine, Issa, Liam and coaches Finton and Erin would like to say thank you to their families and supporters that were able to cheer them on.

Downtown St. John’s was buzzing with energy as crowds lined the streets for the criterium races. Team NL cyclists rose to the challenge, racing hard and giving their all as spectators cheered them on every lap. 

Competing in the “crit” for the very first time, our athletes faced strong competition and delivered an impressive effort! Well done, Team NL!

The final races of the Canada Games for sailing took place today at the Royal NL Yacht Club under very windy conditions. Team NL finished with a fifth place finish in the male 29er’s, an eighth place finish in the female 29er’s and an eighth place finish in the male ILCA6. Congratulations to the sailing team on their performance during the week and we hope they enjoyed their Canada Games experience. 

Team NL gave a strong effort today against New Brunswick, showing perseverance and teamwork throughout the matches. While the final result was a 4–2 loss in team points, the players supported each other every step of the way. It was a week full of great moments and lasting memories.

Swimming NL had a fantastic day taking in the Canada Games spirit! The team visited The Rooms to see the Canada Games display, cheered on fellow Team NL athletes, and treated themselves for a job well done in the Games!