ST. JOHN'S - St. John's gave the Canada Games the type of foot stomping, knee slapping welcome that only Newfoundland and Labrador could provide on Saturday welcoming athletes from 13 provinces and territories for two weeks of action-packed competition.

Located across the road from one of Canada's most famous party streets, a sold-out Mary Brown's Centre rocked with the type of energy usually reserved for the George St. watering holes as teams danced into the frothing arena with music of their choice - mostly rock.

For Team Newfoundland and Labrador, the choice was a no brainer the host going with "Ordinary Day" by one of Canada's most popular folk-rock bands Great Big Sea, who got their start playing the bars on George Street.

A province renowned for its hospitality "The Rock", as Newfoundland is known to Canadians, will roll out the welcome mat and extend that warm welcome to more than 4,200 athletes who will compete for medals in 19 sports, including for the first time women's baseball.

The homey opening ceremony celebrated Newfoundland and Labrador culture and folklore, old and new, from Tony award winning musical "Come From Away" to a rousing rendition of the hugely popular Newfoundland folk song "We'll Rant and We'll Roar".

Rich, rugged imagery was brought to life by mystical performances from First Nations groups that captivated the crowd the venue left in silent appreciation.

But could there be anything more Newfoundland than the cod styled mascot "Gusty" tossing stuffed minis of himself into the crowd with a lacrosse stick.

"There's a kitchen party in St. John's," Canada Games Council chair Catriona Le May Doan told the crowd. "The Canada Games are the culmination of a dream for some and the continuation for others.

“Take in every moment, these Games are for you and it is so exciting the people you are going to meet…and the memories you will make.

 Like every multi-sport event the evening reached an emotional climax with the arrival of the torch and the lighting of the Games cauldron the immense honour going to Newfoundland and Labrador paralympic swimmer Katarina Roxon.

 The first Canadian female swimmer to compete at five Paralympics the honour is just the latest to be bestowed on Roxon, who in 2016 saw highway (Route 490) renamed Katarina Roxon Way which leads from the Trans-Canada Highway towards her hometown of Kippens.

STARTING LINEUP

HIGHLIGHT

After seven years of preparation the curtain goes up on the 2025 Canada Games on Sunday on seven fronts with action starting in men's baseball, men's and women's basketball, women's box lacrosse, men's soccer, women's softball, swimming and beach volleyball.

Here's what you need to know about the Canada Games on Sunday:

PLAY BALL (Baseball Team Gushue Sports Complex and St. Pat's Ballpark)

In early morning men's Group A action at Team Gushue Sports Complex Team Ontario will open defense of their gold medal against Team Quebec, led by 16-year-old pitcher infielder Lham Yeo, who Prep Baseball Report calls an, "intriguing young talent out of Quebec".

Team Alberta, silver medallists in 2022, are next up at the Gushue Sports Complex taking on Team Saskatchewan while hosts Team Newfoundland and Labrador open their account against Team Manitoba, who will be counting on third baseman Nate Lodewyks to help them to a medal. One of two overage players Lodewyks has participated in the Toronto Blue Jays Futures Showcase in 2023 and 2024.

HOOP DREAMS (Newfoundland & Labrador Sports Centre, The Works Field House)

Team Nunavut hits the basketball Canada Games hardwood for the first time taking on Team Yukon in an early morning men's Group C clash at the Newfoundland & Labrador Sports Centre and then is back on the court later in the evening to wrap up a gruelling opening day doubleheader against 2022 bronze medal winners Team Nova Scotia.

Team Nunavut women will also pull double duty tipping off against Team Yukon in the morning and Team Manitoba in the evening at the Works Field House.

It will be a big day for the Canadian north with the Northwest Territories also seeing action against Team Prince Edward Island. Northwest Territories guard Sydney Galusha will switch from sweeping to shooting having already made a bit of curling history earlier this year when the then 15-year-old became the youngest athlete to compete in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts playing alongside her mother Kerry Galusha.

REVENGE ON WOMEN’S BOX LACROSSE MENU (Paradise Double Ice Complex)

Grudge matches are on the menu for the opening day of women's box lacrosse with Team British Columbia looking to avenge their 2-1 loss to Team Ontario in the gold medal final of the 2022 Canada Games. Team Nova Scotia will also be looking to exact a bit of revenge in a bronze medal rematch with Team Alberta.

SOCCER MEN'S (King George V Soccer Stadium, CBS Soccer Field)

All three medallists from the 2022 Canada Games will be in action on the first day of the men's soccer competition with Team Quebec opening the defence of their golden crown against Team Manitoba in a Group A encounter at King George V Soccer Stadium. Ontario, who settled for silver after being shutout 3-0 by Quebec in the final, take on Team Saskatchewan in a Group B clash at CBS Soccer Field. Team Alberta, who thumped New Brunswick 6-1 three years ago to grab bronze, open up against Team Prince Edward Island.

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