St. John’s, Nfld, is hosting Team NT represented by 130 athletes who have overcome unique barriers on their path to the summer Games, but it’s a strength of spirit and camaraderie which sets athletes of the North apart from the rest.
Even the dry, hot weather Nfld is experiencing has not been able to stop them. Yesterday, being one of the hottest days on record this summer for much of Canada, including St. John’s, where the Canada Games are running until Aug. 25. Wildfires on the east coast have also led to some challenges. Brown said that the athletes have managed to cope with the heat, but it’s been a “little bit of a shock,” and the athletes are “making the best of it.”
“We’ve had some delays, unfortunately, with beach volleyball with some forest fires in the area, but we’re hopeful they get back on track later this week,” said Brown, who said the games organizers have been focused on keeping everyone safe.
Yesterday, basketball fans witnessed a historic win when the NT men’s team won an impressive victory over the PEI team, in a close 81 – 78 game. It was one of the most unexpected moments of the games so far, agrees Alison Brown, who is the GNWT’s director of Sport, Recreation and Youth, joined the athletes on the east coast.
“We had that amazing win where we beat a province in men’s basketball, which was a huge highlight,” said Brown.
“It was a really, really close game the whole time and they really worked hard to get there. (The athletes on Team NT) are really proud of them and excited to represent team NT,” exclaimed Brown.
The games have demonstrated a level of camaraderie and sportsmanship for athletes from across the country, but also a sense of pride among the athletes of the North.
“Nunavut. Big shout out to that team – they were out supporting us as well. And it’s just so exciting to see it at the national stage and how well they can represent the North,” reflected Brown.
“I was also at the female basketball this morning and though we weren’t successful on the scoreboard at the win the other day, it was amazing to see how many people were cheering for them,” continued Brown.
Considering the disproportionate lack of opportunities for athletes to train in the North versus provinces in the south, for summer sports, along with the disproportionate amount of coaching and other supports the athletes receive, it makes each milestone the athletes reach all the more sweet.
“We definitely have our challenges,” acknowledged Brown. Many northern athletes have developed ways to channel both inner and outer strength by “being creative in their practices” and training routines, explained Brown.
“They’re definitely working with their managers and coaches, as well as the mission staff on keeping hydrated and ready to play. There have been wonderful volunteers here in Newfoundland and Labrador taking care of them,” added Brown.
Team NT is supported by 51 coaches, managers, and mission staff, along with a number of volunteers.
The work of volunteers behind the scenes is also a driving factor in the success of the athletes, said Brown.
“We have some of the most amazing volunteers up in the north and The territorial support organisations in sport North and the amazing coaches and volunteers, just they find the opportunities way they can and they really work hard to make sure that they have the opportunities whichever community they’re in and we’re blessed to have them with the athletes,” said Brown.
Team NT was joined by 13 NWT Youth Ambassadors, who are representing eight communities and bringing their energy and passion to charge the positive atmosphere.
“Getting volunteer experience, building confidence and learning leadership skills. We’re really excited to have them alongside and we just want to wish all the athletes, the coaches, the volunteers, and the youth ambassadors the very best at these games, you’re showing Canada what the North is made of – determination, teamwork and heart, and we’re very proud of you and good luck and enjoy every moment,” said Brown.
