Latest news with #CanadaGamesHostSociety
CBC
01-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Women's baseball debuts at the 2025 Canada Games. The N.L. trailblazer says it's a huge deal
Women's baseball will make its Canada Games debut in St. John's this summer, and hometown talent and history-maker Jaida Lee says it's a big step forward. Lee broke down the gender barrier during the 2022 Canada Games at the age of 16, pitching for the Newfoundland and Labrador's men's team and becoming the first woman to compete in baseball in Canada Games history. Her jersey, and the ball she threw for her first pitch, sit in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. "The experience was amazing. I met people from all around Canada that I still talk to now, and still see when I'm travelling," Lee told CBC Radio's The Signal Wednesday. Now, in her hometown, the 2025 Canada Games will mark the debut of women's baseball. Lee said it's a huge advancement for the sport. "That will be super cool to see, just how they compete and everything," she said. "I like to think I had some part in pushing that, but it's just really cool to see the progression that's happening for women's sports in general. You see it in a bunch of different sports, but baseball seems to be a little bit behind right now. But that's a really good ... step forward for women's baseball, especially in Canada." Lee said her experiences in baseball and other sports have shaped her as a person and the direction life has taken her. Karl Smith, co-chair of the Canada Games Host Society, said moments like Lee's are part of why he got involved in this year's Canada Games. "These are defining moments for young people, and it's amazing," he said. "Karen [Sherriffs] and I were at the field when she pitched her first pitch, and I still get goosebumps thinking about it. It was surreal. It was a strike, too." Though Lee won't be competing this year, she'll be home to watch women's baseball make its debut. She also left a piece of advice for those competing.
CBC
30-04-2025
- Sport
- CBC
100 days out, organizers say the final push for Canada Games prep is going strong
The 2025 Canada Summer Games are 100 days away, and officials in the host city of St. John's say everything is on track for the largest Games ever. "To see it from ... 2020 when we were awarded the opportunity to bid to where we are, over five years later now, and seeing all these plans come together … it is just so exciting." Karen Sherriffs, CEO of the Canada Games Host Society, told CBC News Monday. "There's just something amazing about the Games. You're bringing together all these athletes who have trained for many, many years. For many, it will be the pinnacle of their athletic [career]." Newfoundland and Labrador will welcome over 4,200 participants across Canada competing in 244 events in 19 sports from Aug. 8-25. It's expected to have an economic impact of about $125 million. More than 5,000 volunteers are also needed to pull off the event. Karl Smith, the host society's co-chair, said about 4,000 have committed so far but is confident they will reach their goal. Smith said the 22 venues in use over the course of the Games are coming together and will be ready for competition. WATCH | The CBC's Ryan Cooke reports from venues taking shape: In 100 days, N.L. will play host to thousands for the 2025 Canada Games 34 minutes ago Duration 1:30 For a little over two weeks in August, 4,200 participants will descend upon host city St. John's, and surrounding areas, for the 2025 Canada Games. The CBC's Ryan Cooke has this tee-up as the countdown kicks into high gear. "They're all going to be player -ready when the Games come around, including the Aquarena. 'Cause I know a lot of people have heard things about the Aquarena, but that's falling in place as well," Smith said. "I'm feeling absolutely fantastic. We can't wait to put the Games off." The host society will hold an event on Wednesday afternoon to mark 100 days to go and unveil the design of the medals athletes will be vying for. Leaving a legacy St. John's will host the Canada Summer Games for the first time since 1977. It's impact is still felt by those who experienced it and through legacy venues like the Aquarena, Sherriffs said, adding the group behind this Games want to create a similar legacy. "I think that's what motivates us each and every day. The ability to host our country, and we will be the largest ever Canada Games," she said. "That motivation of what is left after the Games, you know, I think that's truly the special part." Smith said more will also stay behind beside the venues, citing the gain of a knowledge base that could lead to more opportunities for the city and province in the future. "Hosting an event like this leaves a certain skill set, you know? And the volunteer community that come together for this will last for a long time, enable us to pull off lots of other great events." The next major milestone leading up to the Games is the torch relay, which starts on June 11 in Ottawa and will end with a provincial tour of Newfoundland and Labrador.
