(St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador - August 9, 2025) — Company has arrived! True to form for North America's oldest city, the crowd at the Mary Brown’s Centre was on its feet by night’s end, celebrating an unforgettable Opening Ceremony that kicked off the 30th edition of the Canada Games in downtown St. John’s. 

Blending a unique mix of local arts and culture along with national pride, hundreds of performers captured the essence of all the communities that make Newfoundland and Labrador and the country special to open the 2025 Canada Games.

With the cauldron officially lit, the Games are now underway. More than 5,000 athletes, coaches, and managers will compete in 19 different sports over the next two weeks, making this the largest Canada Games in history. With a forecasted economic impact of over $120 million, the 2025 Canada Games will also be one of the largest events ever hosted in the province.

“What we saw tonight sets the stage for a memorable two weeks,” said Kim Keating and Karl Smith, Co-Chairs, 2025 Canada Games Host Society. “This will be the third time the province has welcomed the country's best young athletes, but it feels just as special as our first summer Games back in 1977. We invite everyone to experience the competition, take in the ARTA VISTA festival, and the culture of the region!”

Held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games are the country’s marquee event for amateur sport representing the highest level of national competition for thousands of up-and-coming Canadian athletes. This uniquely Canadian event is also one of the only multi-sport competitions in the world that features events for able-bodied and parasport athletes, as well as athletes with intellectual disabilities running concurrently.

The 2025 Canada Games also mark exciting firsts and returns, including the debut of female baseball and para-cycling, along with the return of male rugby sevens, all contributing to a record-setting number of participants and the most gender inclusive Games to date.

“Over the next two weeks, we will be cheering on our athletes as they come together for the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s,” said the Honourable Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport). “I want to wish the athletes, coaches and officials from across the country the very best of luck. I’d also like to extend my thanks to the volunteers, organizers and staff for their hard work and dedication. Our government is proud to support this wonderful competition, which is Canada’s largest domestic multi-sport event. Let the games begin!”

"Tonight, St. John’s welcomed the nation with open arms and a vibrant spirit that reflects the very heart of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Canada Games was a showcase of our culture, our people, and our pride. As we begin this historic celebration of sport and community, we are reminded of the power of unity and the promise of our youth. On behalf of the province, I extend a warm welcome to all athletes, coaches, families, and visitors. May these Games inspire greatness, forge lifelong memories, and leave a legacy that echoes far beyond the final medal."

- Honourable John Hogan, KC

“What a moment for St. John’s and for Canada. The 2025 Canada Games Opening Ceremony was a vibrant celebration of who we are—from our deep cultural roots to our shared pride in sport. The energy in the Mary Brown’s Centre was electric, and it’s just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable two weeks. We’re thrilled to welcome athletes, coaches, families, and fans from across the country to experience the spirit, hospitality, and beauty of our city and province.” 

- His Worship Danny Breen, Mayor of the City of St. John's

"What we witnessed tonight is a reminder of what the Canada Games stand for—a shared belief in strengthening the fabric of Canada through sport. The Canada Games have always been about more than medals; they’re about building community, creating lasting legacies, and sparking greatness in our next generation of leaders and athletes. The city of St. John’s and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador have embraced this vision with open arms, setting the tone for a meaningful two weeks of competition, culture, and celebration.”

- Chair, Catriona Le May Doan, Canada Games Council

“What an incredible way to kick off this once-in-a-lifetime experience for our athletes. As Chef de Mission for Team Newfoundland and Labrador, I couldn’t be prouder to see our team enter the Mary Brown’s Centre with such heart, passion, and pride. The energy from the crowd—especially the support from families and friends—was absolutely electric. Tonight’s Opening Ceremony truly captured the spirit of who we are as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians: resilient, welcoming, and fiercely proud. Over the next two weeks, I know our athletes will inspire not only our province, but the entire nation.”

- Jamie Randell, Team Newfoundland and Labrador, Chef de Mission

What an incredible honour it was to have led the charge for this amazing team. The energy at the Mary Browns Centre was truly inspiring. The home crowd’s energy was exhilarating, and the ceremony was fabulous. I’m fired up for what is sure to be a fierce two weeks of competition. It’s clear the province has rallied behind the athletes and we are ready to prove ourselves on the national stage."

- Nathan Luscombe, Flagbearer, Team Newfoundland and Labrador

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Canadians from coast to coast to coast can catch the excitement with over 1,500 hours of live and on-demand coverage at canadagames.ca/watch. The full broadcast schedule can be found online here.

To learn more about the 2025 Canada Games, visit 2025canadagames.ca, download the official app on the Apple App Store or Google Play, and follow the action on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok (@2025canadagames).

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About the 2025 Canada Games in St. John’s

From August 8 – 25, 2025, the 2025 Canada Games will bring together over 5,000 athletes, managers, and coaches, across 19 different sports for the largest multi-sport event in the country. The Canada Games showcase the best of the best in sport and highlight the immense talents of our youth. The Games create a spirit of unity that spans each province and territory. People connect in ways that go beyond the field of play, forming bonds that are deeply rooted in friendship and a collective passion for amateur sport in Canada. The 2025 Canada Games invites Canadians to come and connect through friendship, sport, adventure and the experience that is St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. In a place like no other, you can expect to find a Games like no other. For further information visit 2025canadagames.ca or follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram (@2025canadagames).

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