Canada Games end on classic Maritime note
Posted Feb 28, 2011 05:24:14 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Canada Games went out with a kitchen party-themed closing ceremony and Halifax is slowly returning to normal now that the games have ended.
The closing ceremonies, held Sunday afternoon at the Metro Centre, showcased Nova Scotian artists including Squid, Three Sheet, Radio Radio, Old Man Luedecke, and Mass Pipe and Drums.
The closing ceremony ended two weeks of top-level amateur competition, highlighted by record-breaking sport action and sold-out venues.
Nova Scotia is near the bottom of the medal count, but they did pick up some impressive hardware at the closing ceremonies.
Of the three team awards handed out at the closing ceremonies, Nova Scotia walked away with two. The first was the Centennial Cup which is awarded to the province or territory with the most improvement over the last games.
The second was the Jack Pelech award, given to the province or territory whose staff, coaches, managers and athletes best combined competitive performance, good sportsmanship and a sprit of fair play, co-operation and friendship.
The third award sees the Canada Games flag awarded to province or territory with the greatest number of “flag points,” which are awarded to every athlete based on performance and participation.
To date only Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia have won it, and this year it was Ontario.
The 14-day event made a lasting impression on many of the young athletes.
“It was an amazing experience,” said one young man. “It was the chance of a lifetime.”
“The athlete’s village was definitely the best,” added another athlete. “You got to meet a lot of new people and share experiences.”
Halifax got high marks as a host city, ticket sales well above the target of $1 million. Attendance at sporting events was strong, with sold-out events at almost all Games venues and an estimated 50,000 people attended free concerts in Celebration Square at Grand Parade.
The Maritime hospitality left many competitors with warm feelings for the city.
“Everybody in Halifax is so nice,” said one athlete. “All the volunteers are really helpful. It’s a great experience.”
“It was fun,” said another. “It’s my first time here but I’m really looking forward to next time.”
Some will have a difficult time saying farewell to Nova Scotia.
“I’m really, really sad to leave right now,” said one young woman. “I don’t want to go home.”
“I don’t see why they told us to celebrate the end,” said another.
Sherbrooke, Quebec will hold the next games in summer 2013. The Roly McLenahan torch was passed to Sherbrooke officials before the Games were declared over by Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis.
