100 days out, organizers say the final push for Canada Games prep is going strong
22 venues, including the Aquarena, are on track to be completed by August
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.
"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.
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With files from Jeremy Eaton
