Athletes at the Canada Games rally in solidarity as wildfires disrupt events — New Brunswick teams fundraise, mental health support is stepped up, and emotional connections form.
Shared challenge unites teams amid wildfire disruption
At the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, athletes, coaches and families from New Brunswick and Newfoundland find unexpected camaraderie as wildfires reshape the competition schedule. Smoke-filled skies have prompted postponements and venue changes, forging a deep sense of mutual support between the provinces.
Parental support rallies for frontline responders
Seeing firsthand the challenges Newfoundland faces, parents of New Brunswick athletes launched a heartfelt fundraising effort to provide meals for local firefighters battling the blazes. As one official described, “We become one big happy family here… Newfoundland, the team feels our support and our love for them.”
Counselling and wellness resources stand ready
Recognizing the emotional toll, team leadership has coordinated extra mental-health support. Drop-in counselling and designated wellness lounges are now available to every athlete, coach and staff member. The chief medical officer emphasized that these services are vital not just for performance, but for overall well-being during this stressful period.
Premier urges athletes to embrace the moment—even amid crisis
In his opening-ceremony remarks, Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier, John Hogan, acknowledged the reality that the wildfire fight may last weeks, but urged competitors to “enjoy the Canada Games” and the culmination of their hard work, despite the ongoing emergency.
On-court focus shifts as wildfire haze settles in
For Team N.B.’s women’s beach volleyball coach, Lauren Hale-Miller, a rising column of smoke overshadowed her team’s competition. Though the athletes remained focused during play, their thoughts frequently drifted homeward. “The wildfires back home definitely hit close to home… thinking about our community back home, and the community here,” she said. “We hope they know that we’re thinking about them while we’re out here competing.”
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