Canada Games 2025 kick off in St. John’s, bringing 4,200+ athletes together for Canada’s biggest domestic sports event, focused on unity through competition.
National Event Returns with Powerful Message of Unity
The 2025 Canada Games officially begin this Friday in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, marking the country’s largest domestic multi-sport event. Over 4,200 young athletes from across Canada are set to compete in 19 sports, representing every province and territory.
The Games arrive at a critical time, aiming to foster national unity through athletic competition. “Now, more than ever, we need to come together,” said Canada Games Council Chair Catriona Le May Doan, a two-time Olympic gold medalist. “It’s about more than medals. It’s about community, culture, and connection.”
Athletes Representing Provinces, Territories, and Cultures
Participants, ranging from aspiring Olympians to athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities, will stay and compete alongside their provincial or territorial teams. This integrated model promotes inclusivity, diversity, and learning among athletes from vastly different backgrounds.
“This is one of the few events where all provinces and territories march into the same stadium,” Le May Doan emphasized. “That kind of togetherness is rare—and deeply meaningful.”
Host City St. John’s Showcases Spirit Beyond Sport
St. John’s, a city rich in history and culture, serves as more than a venue—it becomes a national gathering place. The Games allow Newfoundland and Labrador to showcase its distinct spirit through art, hospitality, and tradition, while welcoming thousands of visitors.
Local organizers have prepared to highlight Indigenous nations and multicultural communities, integrating cultural education into the sporting experience. “It’s a celebration of who we are as Canadians,” said Le May Doan.
A Launchpad for Careers—and Confidence
Athletes like Olympic sprinter Audrey Leduc and hurdler Savannah Sutherland credit the Canada Games with shaping their careers. For some, it’s a stepping stone to global competition; for others, a transformative life experience.
“I was burnt out after college, and the 2022 Games gave me the boost I needed,” said Sutherland. “It re-centered me—and that changed everything.”
Lessons That Last Long After the Podium
Canada Games alumni often go on to become not just elite athletes, but community leaders, educators, and changemakers. The values instilled—teamwork, resilience, and pride in identity—extend well beyond sport.
“These Games build the leaders of tomorrow,” Le May Doan concluded. “In a time of global uncertainty, what we do here—bringing people together—is more important than ever.”
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