'It's the pinnacle': The Canada Games torch has arrived in St. John's
The torch has travelled across N.L. since June ahead of two-week competition
The light of the 2025 Canada Summer Games has reached its final destination, as the torch relay officially wrapped up in St. John's on Friday.
The torch has been on the move through Newfoundland and Labrador since June 28, making its way through 15 communities across the province. A total of 130 torchbearers helped facilitate that journey, a group that included several Canada Games alumni from the host province.
"It's a huge honour. So excited to see the Games coming back to St. John's," Mike Adam, a Canada Games alum who won a Gold medal at the 2006 Olympic Games in curling, told CBC News Friday.
"It kind of brings it all back home. The Canada Games is such a unique event. It's very Canadian. And whether that's a stepping stone to bigger things in your athletic career, it's the pinnacle."
The Games are considered the top competition for amateur athletes in Canada. Newfoundland and Labrador will welcome over 4,200 participants from across the country competing in 244 events in 19 sports from Aug. 8-25.
Before she was lighting up the Professional Women's Hockey League, Maggie Connors of St. John's represented Newfoundland and Labrador at the Canada Games in 2015. She's looking forward to seeing events from outside the lens of competition and cheer on local athletes.
"When I was able to participate in it, it's a lot of fun," Connors said. "To be an alumni now, and especially to be from here and it to be hosted here is incredible."
The Canada Summer Games are returning to Newfoundland for the first time since 1977.
Michelle Doyle, a Bronze medal winning field hockey player for Newfoundland and Labrador at those Games, said memories still shine through 48 years later.
"It's an unbelievable experience to participate in the Canada Games, especially here in your home province," Doyle said.
"I think the same thing will happen this Canada Games. Spectators will just come out to the Games. You have to be able to participate in it, and be involved in it, even just come out and cheer for the kids that are representing our province."
Kim Keating, co-chair of the Games Host Society, said she can't wait to create those kinds of memories for those who witness this year's event.
"It's just been such an amazing day. The spirit of community, the connections, everyone coming out and celebrating, it's just been amazing," she said.
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With files from Jenna Benchetrit