Canada Games athletes wave farewell

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=282364&sc=98

Related video-on-demand : Canada Games closing ceremony (News Coverage) Related photo galleries : Next stop Halifax! Canada Games athletes wave farewell MARY MACKAY The Guardian

Matthew Caseley of French River, who won gold in the hammer throw, carries the P.E.I. flag as he leads the Island team into the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place Saturday for the closing ceremony of the 2009 Canada Summer Games. Guardian photo by Brian McInnis

It wasn’t over until Smothered in Hugs sang them home.
But that end-of-show performance by the Prince Edward Island band wrapped up the official closing ceremony for the 2009 Canada Games on Saturday afternoon.
The stands at the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place in Charlottetown were for the most part filled as the 2,300-plus athletes who competed in the final week of the two-week long summer games marched with pride down the stairs to the track and to their seating places smack dab in front of the stage.
P.E.I. swimmer Rhea Hurnik, 16, of New Dominion had mixed feelings about the Games coming to an end.
“I don’t know. It was like our whole summer and our whole year was building up to this and it’s hard to believe that it actually happened and it’s all over now,” she said.
“It’s sad but it’s really exciting still. It’s hard to believe that it actually happened and that we were part of it.”
The crowd was loud in its cheering, but overshadowing even their combined voices was an ebullient bunch of young people with the P.E.I. Dream Dance Team who danced and shouted their cheerleader-like greetings to each and every province and territory with equal gusto Saturday.
Rebecca Drummond, 12, of Summerside and Celia Koughan of Stratford, who both play children of Avonlea parts in the musical Anne and Gilbert, were two members of this young dance crew who were on the entertainment list to spice things up at the ceremony’s end.
“We’re doing a finale number and we’re hoping that everybody in the audience will dance a little part with us,” Rebecca said.
“We taught all the teams to dance so hopefully everyone will join in for the last number. It’s going to be awesome,” added Celia, who is now a big fan of the Canada Games.
“It’s exciting. It’s such a big event and it’s really cool to have it here with all these
people,’’ she added.
A huge crowd of Canada Games volunteers sporting their bright red volunteer jackets was crammed in the stands to take in the event. For most the work was done. However, Kaye Larkin of Cornwall and Theresa Lambe of Stratford were still on duty in the stands, continuing to provide a volunteer first aid presence for the spectators.
“It was a great run and I hear lots of good comments from people from every province . . . saying the good job that P.E.I. has done for these games and how they covered the Island,” Larkin said.
“Other places have it in one venue but here they were in Montague and Cardigan and Souris, all over, and people were so friendly to them.”
Michele MacAulay of Stratford, along with her husband Ron MacAulay and their niece Maria Mahar, were there to see her son Greg, who is a golfer, be part of the closing ceremony.
“Yes, we actually saw him and got a picture,” she smiled, glad that her son was part of this moment in the 2009 Canada Games history.
“We’re very, very proud. It’s wonderful.”
Gary Lunn, minister of State for Sport, announced during the ceremony, that the federal government has updated its Sport Canada policy on women in sport, which was originally published in 1986.
“The new policy entitled Actively Engaged: A Policy on Sport for Women and Girls will foster a Canadian sport system that will provide quality sport experiences to ensure women and girls are actively involved and equally supported in a full range of roles.”
Premier Robert Ghiz reflected on the Canada Games first province-wide event.
“Every Islander has been proud to show off our beautiful province and to welcome such a great group of young Canadians. . . ,” he said.
“We have all worked together, communities across our province, and were proud to host many different events. And I’m so proud that Prince Edward Island was the first province to have held such an event on a province-wide basis.”
Carolyn Bertram, P.E.I.’s minister for Sport said these past few weeks of the Canada Games have been more than just a sports competition.
“The Games are a festival of our youth, a celebration of connecting people from across our great country, a time of enthusiasm, friendship and of course a lot of fun.”
P.E.I. was awarded the Jack Pelech Award for exhibiting as a team such atributes as performance, sportsmanship and friendship.
The Canada Games Flag Points winner as top team was Ontario and the Centennial Cup as most improved team went to Quebec.
The entertainment lineup included groups such as local groups Vishten, Smothered in Hugs and Halifax’s Squid.
Former Olympic sprinter Jared Connaughton of New Haven was the first P.E.I. native to win two gold medals at one Canada Games, which he did in 2005 in Regina, Sask.
To emphasize the importance of the games on an athlete’s career, he told the athletes and the audience of his thoughts after he competed in track and field in London, Ont., in 2001 and finished third last.
“It was an opportunity for me to acknowledge that I had to make a commitment to my sport and four years later in Regina I went from almost last (in 2001) to first in the 100 (metres) and first in the 200 (metre races). So it was a turning point in my life,” he said.
“To me the Games is such an amazing thing and it’s done so much for my community. Only a few years ago this very place (the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place) was a swamp almost so this has come so far and the legacy of Canada Games isn’t just these two weeks, it’s a legacy that will carry on for future athletes.”

Diversity - The best part of the Canada Games

Alex & I spent 4 days at the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place watching Track & Field.
Alex was volunteering half of each of those 4 days.

We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and witnessed some great competition.

The very best part for me was the diversity.

Athletics included Special Olympic athletes running sprints,

as well as wheelchair races.

I hope this trend grows and soon includes many more sports.
Currently Swimming and Athletics in the Summer Games and
Figure Skating and Basketball in the Winter Games
include Special Olympic and/or Paralympic athletes.

Matthew Caseley wins Gold in Hammer Throw

Kurt McCormack wins Bronze in the Triple Jump

Team P.E.I.'s Website
Team PEI Results & The Red Clay Review Newsletters

Our Canada Games Photos

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2009/08/25/pei-canada-games-medal-basely082509.html

P.E.I.'s 1st medal golden at Canada Games

Matthew Caseley speaks to the CBC after his golden performance in the hammer throw event Tuesday at the Canada Games.

(CBC)The host province of this year's Canada Games won its first medal Tuesday with a golden effort from Prince Edward Island's Matthew Caseley.

Caseley, of French River, captured the gold Tuesday afternoon in the hammer throw at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place. The 21-year-old was in fifth place going into the final.

"I knew I was fairly close to a medal, but the gold? I was not expecting that whatsoever," an ecstatic Caseley told CBC News.

Fellow Islander Kurt McCormack followed up Caseley's win with a bronze medal in the triple jump. McCormack, 21, from Souris, attends Dickinson State University in North Dakota.

The national sporting event showcasing Canada's amateur athletes is taking place in P.E.I. until Aug. 29.

Canada Games Volunteering

Results Runner - Athletics

Day 1 - Running results from the finish line to the results room

Day 2 - Sucking up the stats at the finish line

Day 3 - The 2 finish line results runners: Alex MacBain & Alex Bain !

Day 4 - Olympic sprinter Jared Connaughton and Alex
(former teammates on the 2003 Bluefield High School Track team)

Our Photos from Athletics
and Volleyball

Evening at the track

Track athletes tune up for Games at nationals

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=271346&sc=99

Track athletes tune up for Games at nationals

Smith and McGuire both like the new athletics facility in Charlottetown

CHARLES REID
The Guardian

What if?

It’s a popular question for most athletes.

Islanders Spencer Smith and Conor McGuire asked it following their results at the 2009 Canadian junior track and field championships held recently at the new UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place in Charlottetown.

But often the answer is less of what they didn’t do and more of what they can do better.

“I feel fairly good about my performance in the 5,000-metre,” said McGuire, who finished 10th with a time of 15.51.95. “However, I feel if I would have kicked (picked up the pace) earlier in the race I would have been able to catch one or two more people.

“My goal was to break 16 minutes . . . and I did reach this goal. However, I did have some energy left at the end so I feel I could have taken another 10 to 15 seconds off my time.”

The 18-year-old McGuire, a Summerside native, now ups his training for the 2009 Canada Summer Games next month in P.E.I. where he will race at the same stadium.

The national junior championships were used a warm up for the Canada Games and a test of the facility.

The $6.8-million track and field venue features a 400-metre, eight-lane synthetic oval track, a water jump for steeplechase, a facility for long and triple jump, pole vault, discus and hammer throw, javelin throw and shot put, a warm-up track, storage facilities, washrooms and spectator seating.

The championships were originally scheduled for Moncton, but organizers moved the event to Charlottetown because the Moncton facility wasn’t ready.

It also served as a qualifier for the Pan American junior championships later this month in Trinidad and Tobago.

Athletes’ complaints of the new stadium ranged from lack of warmup space to skimpy wind barriers on the fences bordering the track to a soft running surface.

McGuire said he’s heard the beefs but doesn’t agree with them.

“The facility seems to be quite amazing and everything was very well organized,” he said. “Some people were complaining about the track being too soft, (but) I believe it was just the right firmness and the traction was unbelievable with spikes.”

Smith, 17, saw little to gripe about, either.

“I thought the facility was great. I heard some complaints about a few different things, but I thought it was organized very well,” he said.

The Ten Mile House native finished in 50.95, good for 11th place over in the men’s 400-metre finals and set a personal-best time of 50.69 in qualifying.

Like McGuire, Smith has the Canada Games in his sights, but first he stops at the Atlantic outdoor championships, Aug 1-2, in Oromocto, N.B.

“Overall, I was pleased with my performance. I didn’t quite get the time I was hoping for, but I still got a few more things that I can improve on and help to better my time,” he said. “I was fairly close to reaching my goals.”

Other Islanders who competed at the meet included Lauren Hurry, who failed to qualify for the women’s long jump final, Megan Boswell, who finished 21st overall and did not advance to the women’s 200-metre final, and Dylan Arsenault, who failed to qualify for the men’s 100-metre final.

(creid@theguardian.pe.ca)

Shiny new Games complex officially opens at UPEI

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=268750&sc=98

Shiny new Games complex officially opens at UPEI

The Guardian

Federal Minister of Fisheries Gail Shea, from left, joins UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan; Carolyn Bertram,Minister of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour; Joseph Spriet, president of the 2009 Canada Games Host Society and Charlottetown Mayor Cliffod Lee at the naming of the new track and field centre.
UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place officially opened today, located on the UPEI campus adjacent the CARI complex. It features a 400-metre, eight lane, oval synthetic track, a water jump for steeplechase, a facility or long and triple jump, pole vault, discus and hammer throw, javelin throw, shot put, a warm-up track, storage facilities, washrooms and spectator seating.

The 2009 Canada Games are just a few short weeks away and the modern, multi-functional athletics facility that will greet competitors from across the nation was officially opened today.
Gail Shea, minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and Carolyn Bertram, minister of communities, cultural affairs and labour, were joined at UPEI today by Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee, Joseph Spriet, president of the 2009 Canada Games Host Society, and Wade MacLauchlan, president of UPEI, to get a first-hand look at one of the Games’ premier attractions, which is adjacent to the CARI complex on the university’s campus.
“Hosting the Canada Games will benefit Prince Edward Island in many important ways including the national exposure it provides to our Island economy and the legacy of top flight recreational facilities that will serve our communities for years to come,” said Shea. “In addition, these facilities enhance our ability to attract and host other sport initiatives and the economic benefits that flow from those events.”
UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place, the venue for track and field competitions for the 2009 Games as well as the closing ceremonies, features a synthetic, 400-metre, eight-lane oval track; a water jump for steeplechase; a facility for long and triple jump, pole vault, discus and hammer throw, javelin throw and shot put; a warm-up track, storage, washrooms, and spectator seating and viewing.
The facility is situated on land provided by UPEI, and, through its name, it recognizes the university's alumni for their significant financial support of this athletics venue.
"The Canada Games has a long history of infrastructure legacy across the nation. This year the Province of Prince Edward Island was proud to contribute over $4 million for this 2009 Legacy Facility, the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place," said Minister Bertram.
Mayor Lee said the City of Charlottetown is pleased to partner with the federal and provincial governments and the University of Prince Edward Island in developing the athletics facility.
“This complex will leave a lasting legacy in our community, and finally our athletes whose sport is track and field will now have a first class location to develop their skills."
The organization of the Canada Games is made possible through the dedication of the local Host Society, and the contribution and support of the federal, provincial and host municipal governments, and the Canada Games Council.
Spriet said the 2009 Canada Games Host Society will be proud to unveil the state-of-the-art athletics facility to the rest of the country next month.
"The opening of the UPEI Alumni Canada Place makes P.E.I. a major player in the national athletics community and will continue to stand as an athletic pillar of excellence for our Island community long after the closing ceremony."
UPEI president Wade MacLauchlan said the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place is a tremendous asset to sport and recreation for the entire Island community, with the potential to attract top athletics events from outside P.E.I.
“We are honoured to partner with government and our community to provide this high-profile platform for provincial and regional athletic competition and success.”
UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place was funded through the Canada-P.E.I. Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF) with contributions from the Government of Canada, the Province of Prince Edward Island and the City of Charlottetown. The University of Prince Edward Island is responsible for maintaining and operating the facility once the Canada Games are over.

Games volunteers get new look

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=244708&sc=98

Games volunteers get new look

EDITORIAL STAFF
The Guardian

The 2009 Canada Games volunteer uniform, a quality Columbia two-piece golf shirt and jacket combination, was unveiled in Charlottetown Wednesday. The golf shirt is gold and the rain jacket is red and emblazoned with the Canada Games Island-shaped logo and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation logo. The corporation is the presenting sponsor of the Games volunteer program. The uniform is a benefit of being a volunteer, organizers said. From left are John Edwards, Charlie Cheverie, Cultural Affairs Minister Carolyn Bertram, Karen Wortman and MaryEllen Basha. Guardian photo by Brian McInnis

Volunteers for the 2009 Canada Games will be wearing a Columbia two-piece golf shirt and jacket combination.
The new uniform, only one of the benefits volunteers with the Games will realize, is valued at $99.98 and was unveiled Wednesday.
Supporters, volunteers, sponsor partners and media were on hand for the debut of the gold golf shirt and red rain jacket emblazoned with the 2009 Canada Games Island-shaped logo and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation logo. Atlantic Lottery Corporation is the presenting sponsor of the Games’ volunteer program.
“Our $1.1-million contribution has allowed us to not only support and build the spirit of the Games since 1976, but to also support Team Atlantic and every Canada Games volunteer, through the volunteer services program,”?Joel Irvine, vice-president of sales and customer service with ALC, said.
A green zip jacket, a part of the familiar 1991 uniform jacket, was retired during the ceremony.
Joseph Spriet, president of the 2009 Host Society, said the Games still need volunteers. They are looking for 6,000 volunteers.
“We are in the unique position of being a provincewide Games, so we need volunteers from tip to tip to sign up,” he said.
“When volunteers apply, not only can they request a specific type of volunteer assignment, but they can specify which area of the province they would like to work in.”

On the Net: www.2009canadagames.ca

Halfway down the road to the Games

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=228909&sc=118

Halfway down the road to the Games

NANCY MACPHEE
The Journal Pioneer

Only 161 days remain until the start of the 2009 Canada Games.
While it frightens him to admit it, Joseph Spriet’s confident the host committee is in “excellent shape” to host the two-week national sporting event.“It scares me to death to say that,” said the host committee president. “When you start thinking you’re in great shape, Murphy’s Law comes into play. I don’t want to see Murphy around anywhere.”
By all indications things are quickly falling into place for the August event.
Facilities at UPEI are 85 to 90 per cent complete. Montague’s new multi-million dollar recreation facility should be done by May 31, which comes as a big relief to organizers, and upgrades to existing facilities are either underway or complete.
Recently, the host committee and Slemon Park Corporation signed its venue agreement while the food services contract with Chartwells, which will serve up 100,000 meals over two weeks to the 4,400 athletes, was inked last week.
Both, as was the Montague complex, had been “red flags” for the committee.
The issue at Slemon Park was space for beds for athletes.
“We had to get to a point where Slemon Park and the host society could agree on the costs of either an apartment building, upgrading Building 48 to be able to host athletes and the other option, which was not too palatable, to bring in temporary facilities like trailers.”
With an agreement to renovate the existing building, “all of the other pieces” are now in place for the week one athletes’ village.With food services, cost was the issue.
“They’ve made some accommodations,” said Spriet.
“Our Games have always been mandated to be very athlete-centred. There’s no cutting back here.”
Next week, the host committee unveils its volunteer clothing and in the weeks that follow more staff will be hired.
While press conferences and facilities work are visible benchmarks, there’s much more going on behind the scenes that the public doesn’t see, said Spriet.
Twelve divisions, each with its own committee, have taken on a component of the Games, from services and turnaround to volunteers.
“We’re moving along very well,” added Spriet. “We feel we are in very good shape to stage the Games when August rolls around.”
There’s a contingency plan and a contingency fund in place if problems arise, both of which Spriet hopes won’t be used.
In July, the host committee will run through all the scenarios that its 12 committees could face during the Games and all systems will be tested.
“We can’t cover everything but we can try,” said Spriet.
“I think we’re in excellent shape.”

They want you - Organizers are looking to field an army of 6,000 volunteers for the 2009 Canada Summer Games

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=213196&sc=99

They want you
Organizers are looking to field an army of 6,000 volunteers
for the 2009 Canada Summer Games

	Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, vice-president of volunteer services, and Charlie Curley, associate vice-president of volunteer services, display the volunteer “recruitometer” for the 2009 Canada Summer Games on P.E.I., Aug. 15-29. Also in the photo is Eddie, one of two Canada Games mascots.(Guardian photo by Dave Stewart)

DAVE STEWART
The Guardian

Islanders are being asked to dream big and chip in.

The 2009 Canada Games organizing committee is looking for thousands of volunteers to sign up and be a part of the provincewide event, Aug. 15-29.

“Pick something that you might like to do in your lifetime and here’s your opportunity,” Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, vice-president of volunteer services for the 2009 Canada Games, said in an interview following a recent press conference in Charlottetown.

“You do not have to have the skill set to volunteer in (any specific) area. We will train you.”

They are looking for 6,000 volunteers.

So far, they have 1,350 signed up.

The volunteer services division is responsible for the recruitment and recognition of the volunteers.

There will be giant “recruitometer” displays going up across the province to show how many volunteers have signed up and how many are still needed.

P.E.I. last hosted the Games during the winter of 1991, but the scope of the event this summer is much broader, taking in more of the province.

Joe Spriet, host society president, said they expect the Games to draw more than 10,000 visitors to the Island.

“People will be setting aside vacation time to come here,” Spriet said. “All of the volunteers who sign up will have a tremendous experience.”

Jason Cormier, representing Atlantic Lottery, said the gaming corporation is pumping in more than $1 million into the Games.

“Whether as a volunteer coach or a mentor at an after-school program, volunteers strengthen the fabric of our communities,” said Cormier, who doubles as the general manager of the Charlottetown Driving Park Entertainment Centre.

Jenkins-Smith said anyone 14 years and older is welcome to volunteer.

“We have 30 different areas where they can (volunteer). Put in the amount of time you are able to commit and we’re pretty confident we can find something to fit your schedule.”

Islanders do not have to commit for the entire two-week schedule.

Volunteers will receive a uniform, two 2009 Canada Games official pins and several exclusive social events prior to the event.

Volunteers also get their own hospitality centres during the Games.

“The Canada Games is like many other major events, it cannot happen without volunteers. There is absolutely no way the Games could afford to pay 6,000 additional people to come out and run these Games.”

Jenkins-Smith said they want to have all volunteers in place by mid-July, allowing enough time for screening each individual.

The 30 to 40 days prior to the start of the Games will be used for training purposes.

“These next five months will be key to getting the numbers we really need,” said Jenkins-Smith.

(On the Net: www.2009canadagames.ca)

*****

2009 Canada Games volunteer services:

* 2009 Canada Games takes place on P.E.I. from Aug. 15-29.

* 6,000 volunteers needed. So far, 1,350 have signed up.

* Must be 14 years old on or before Aug. 15, 2009. Those under 18 must have parental consent.

* Must complete and pass an RCMP background check, as well as any other relevant security clearances to be considered for a volunteer role.

* Online application forms can be completed in about 15-20 minutes. Some information and documents you should have nearby to complete the form include e-mail address, CPR and/or First Aid certificate (if applicable), emergency contact information and driver's licence (if applicable).

* Volunteer applications available at all police and RCMP detachments across the province.

* Available jobs include administration, drivers, merchandise sales, IT support, security and much more.

* For more information, call 1-888-438-2009 or e-mail volunteer@2009canadagames.ca

* On the Net - www.2009canadagames.ca

Gearing up for Games

http://www.journalpioneer.com/index.cfm?sid=186070&sc=118

	Ian MacGougan of CBCL Consultants looks over the progress made to date on sports fields adjacent to Summerside's Credit Union Place.

Gearing up for Games

NANCY MACPHEE
The Journal Pioneer

SUMMERSIDE - With 284 days remaining until the start of the 2009 Canada Games, work on facilities across the province is, for the most part, on schedule.

In Summerside, a multi-sport artificial turf field, beach volleyball courts and tennis courts should be complete by mid-November and sports fields at UPEI are 85 per cent finished.

But in Montague, where work has just started, it's another story.

"That has been delayed and delayed," said host society president Joseph Spriet. "It's started now, but there is a bit of concern that they are not further ahead than they are."

The venue is slated to host female wrestling. Spriet has been in talks with two facilities interested in the event if Montague's wellness centre isn't ready.

"We're building that for the purpose of the Canada Games and some money was leveraged to get that done so it would be a shame if we actually couldn't host games there," said Spriet, who optimistically added, "I'm sure it will be ready."

Canada Games is putting a total of $14 million into upgrading existing facilities or building new fields and venues. In Summerside alone, a few million is being spent, with $2 million funneled to Credit Union Place for the opening ceremonies and to get ready to host basketball.

"Really, I am beside myself and I don't want to shout too loud, but it's wonderful to be in a position where we are now," added Spriet. "It's quite rewarding to see what has happened."

The Games will leave a legacy on P.E.I. and its athletes, said facilities co-ordinator Robert Arsenault.

Communities will be beneficiaries of improved and, in some cases, new facilities, along with equipment.

"It certainly gives us an opportunity to host national scale events but also gives our home athletes a training venue," said Arsenault.

"That home field advantage just doesn't last for the two weeks of the games. It's ongoing."



Mult-use field nearly ready

Work should be complete by mid-November on construction of Summerside's multi-million Canada Games sports fields.

The work, adjacent to Credit Union Place, has a $2.9 million pricetag.

First, there's a multi-sport synthetic turf field, located north of Willow Avenue. The 76x108-metre regulation soccer field with turf end zones, which can be later used for football, will be used for men and women's soccer.

Technical services director Aaron MacDonald said preliminary work is done. All that's needed is the artificial turf, which is currently being fabricated.

"We are waiting to hear word from them when they plan to arrive to install it," said MacDonald.

The artificial turf will be laid before snow falls and, once spring arrives, the field will be ready for use as soon as the snow melts. Adjacent to that field is a small gravel parking area.

South of Willow Drive along Greenwood Drive are the two beach volleyball courts, each measuring 26x36 metres.

Sand is currently being laid, work that's expected to be done before winter.

Built on site is a 9x12-metre clubhouse/storage building, which includes two single washrooms, small storage area and electrical room.

Underground conduit is in place to allow the area, which currently has no lighting and won't for the Games, to be illuminated in the future.

Three tennis courts, each regulation size, are being constructed in the area south of Willow Avenue along Greenwood Drive. These courts won't be used for the Games. Tennis competition will take place in Charlottetown.

The city has "greened" out another area for a future field.



For more on the Journal-Pioneer's snapshot on how the Island is getting ready for the Games, pick up Monday's paper edition of the Journal-Pioneer.

Canada Games now one year away

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=162507&sc=98

Canada Games now one year away

By Jim Day
The Guardian

Time will be THE factor in who wins gold, silver and bronze in many of the events at the 2009 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island.
Fractions of a second could make the difference between capturing a medal or simply standing on the sidelines watching fellow competitors climb up on the podium.
Today, though, the important period of time is not a matter of seconds, minutes, hours or even days. It’s one year.
Exactly 12 months from today, the opening ceremonies will kick off the Summer Games on the Island, running from Aug. 15-29, 2009.
Today’s milestone, called the one-year-out point, was heralded a day early Thursday by some of the key players in the multi-sport event that will draw about 4,400 athletes from across the country to compete in P.E.I.
The next 365 days are sure to zip past with a blur similar to the winning sprinter in the 100-metre dash crossing the finish line next summer on the track currently being constructed on the grounds of UPEI.
That, at least, is what Barb Dunphy-Gotell is predicting, based on her past experience serving as assistant general manager for the Canada Winter Games held here in 1991.
“The last year really went by fast,’’ said Dunphy-Gotell, who is vice- president of the media, community relations and communications division for the 2009 Canada Games.
“I mean it was an extremely busy year.’’
Preparations were fast and furious as the months ticked off the calendar.
Dunphy-Gotell recalls the chef de missions from each of the provinces coming to P.E.I. to make sure all of the preparations were up to snuff.
“They know really the issues they are concerned about for their athletes,’’ she said.
“So it was somewhat of a test to make sure we were in ready position. But at the same time those conferences were really a great way of knowing that we were ready for the Games.’’
Naturally, as the Games get closer, more and more volunteers are brought on board. Close to 6,000 people are expected to volunteer their time and talent to help pull of this major event.
“You started to have to let it go and have faith and trust in the volunteers that were executing the job,’’ Dunphy-Gotell said of passing the torch as the 1991 Games approached.
“And I know we had sessions — like day sessions — to talk to the volunteers to make sure that they were looking after everything.’’
Host society president Joseph Spriet said Thursday he was pleased to announce that the 2009 Canada Games will be on budget, coming in at a cool $33 million, and that planning is on schedule.
He urged Islanders to count along as momentum builds and the big event draws nearer and nearer. The official website —www.2009canadagames.ca — now has an active clock ticking away the time.
The official song for the Summer Games was also unveiled Thursday.
David Rashed, who produced the upbeat number, said the song is meant to capture the excitement and energy of the Games.
“It’s going to be exciting times,’’ he said.
“People competing at their finest.’’
Rashed said the songwriter wants to remain anonymous, opting to stay in the background and let the number get all the attention. He added that the song is aimed at a wide spectrum of people.
“The invitation to come play at our Games is for the athletes, for the volunteers, for the parents, for the friends,’’ he said.
“It’s for everybody.’’
Dunphy-Gotell is hopeful Canada Games days can be held in Island schools to help inspire students to be “Canada Games athletes in the future.
“And I think that is one of the major legacies from the ‘09 Canada Games is the facilities that will be left behind for training,’’ she said.
Carolyn Bertram, minister responsible for sport, echoed the sentiment that hosting the Games provides a tremendous opportunity for the promotion and development of sport in P.E.I.
“We are very excited that, in just one short year, we will be hosting the Canada Summer Games in Prince Edward Island for the first time ever,’’ she said.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the benefits associated with hosting the games are enjoyed throughout the province.’’

The sights and sounds of the Canada Games

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=152552&sc=103

The sights and sounds of the Canada Games

The construction of the track and field complex at UPEI
is a visible reminder that the 2009 Games will soon be upon us.

Anyone passing the University of Prince Edward Island these days can't help but notice the mountains of red earth and the sounds of major construction. It's the track and field complex slated to host the 2009 Canada Summer Games gradually taking shape - a visible reminder to Islanders that the Games are closer than we think. A year from next month, thousands of athletes and visitors will descend upon the Island.

For years, Islanders have been discussing and planning for this event, but seeing the infrastructure emerge should generate some added excitement. After all, there's more to the Games than just the two-week schedule of competitive events.

Those who remember being involved in the 1991 Canada Winter Games here will recall the momentum that grew in the years and months leading up to those Games. It's like anything else - the more you invest in something, the more you get out of it. The organizers, the athletes and the many volunteers who've been involved so far in staging next summer's Games are no doubt experiencing that momentum already. But for others on the sidelines, the sights and sounds of construction remind them that next summer will be one of a kind. They'll be host to thousands of Canada's best young athletes and have the pleasure of seeing their display of excellence.

The Canada Games are an important showcase of Canadian athleticism. We see not only what individual athletes can accomplish, but what they collectively represent - commitment to the time-honoured ideals of hard work, excellence, self-discipline and self-sacrifice. No matter what our own chosen pursuits in life are, these are qualities we admire.

As the track and field centre takes shape at UPEI, it's a good opportunity for Islanders to enjoy the excitement surrounding the Games. One way to do this is by getting involved as a volunteer. It's been 17 years since a Canada Games was held here. A whole new generation of young people has grown up since then. For these youngsters, this is a first. We say get involved and enjoy.

Triathlon looking at future

http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=134161&sc=99

Triathlon looking at future
2009 Canada Games participation rests in balance as team meets Thursday

The Guardian

After losing a coach for personal reasons and futile attempts to secure a replacement and manager for the 2009 Canada Games triathlon team, P.E.I. may not field a squad for the event.

A final meeting with athletes in training, parents and potential team officials to determine the fate of the program is Thursday in Room 212 at Sport P.E.I. The meeting will start at 7 p.m.

“Several individuals have indicated an interest in helping with the program, but to date no one has been able to commit to lead the program,” says Ted Lawlor, manager of the 2009 Canada Games Best Ever Program.

“Our high-performance committee is concerned precious time to prepare the athletes is running out.

“With the physical and technical demands of the sport, those athletes interested in trying out for the team need to have a training program in place, be monitored and participate at competitions prior to the 2009 Games.

“The Canada Games is not a recreational event. Our interest is not just showing up in 2009 and preparation of a team is key for all concerned.”

Lawlor expects to make a recommendation with final intentions to the high performance and provincial Canada Games committees following the meeting.

Anyone requiring more information about the meeting should contact Ted Lawlor at 368-4783, or twlawlor@gov.pe.ca.

2009 Canada Games PEI Triathlon Team Looking for 2 Team Officials

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2008/03/17/track-football.html

Planned athletics complex too small for football

Canada Games organizers should be thinking about football when they break ground on a new $6 million outdoor facility at UPEI, says Charlottetown city councillor Mitchell Tweel.

As currently planned, there is no room for a football field in the middle of the running track, Tweel told CBC News Friday.

Football isn't part of the Games, so accommodating that sport hasn't been a priority.

"As far as being football ready, our requirement and our focus is to have an athletics complex that is of standard for national athletics and for the Canada Games," said Paul M. Schurman, 2009 Games committee spokesman.

It's been almost 30 years since UPEI fielded a varsity football team, but when university pigskin fans heard the Canada Games track and field complex would be built on campus, they got excited. Tweel believes the facility should be built with the future in mind, adding that's not a particular strength for Charlottetown.

"We don't build buildings and facilities for today and tomorrow. We build them for yesterday," said Tweel.

"It's not being visionary … If we're going to construct a multi-purpose field and spend five to six million dollars, I would argue do it right the first time."

UPEI athletic director Ron Annear didn't return calls from CBC News, but has publicly stated that if football becomes a priority for the school, changes to the field can be made.

Tweel argues it would be cheaper to make plans to accommodate football before building the complex.

2009 Canada Games PEI Triathlon Team Looking for 2 Team Officials

Are you interested
in being a team official for the
2009 Canada Games PEI Triathlon Team?

The existing coach for the 2009 Canada Games PEI Triathlon team is unable to continue his role due to personal reasons, and they are now looking for two team officials to consider taking on the team official's role for the 09 games .

The previous coach has identified and was working with approximately five athletes over the past year and developed training programs for some of them . We would like to see if these athletes could continue to train under the guidance of a coach and manager so PEI may field a team for the 09 Games - Triathlon's first ever appearance in the Canada Games! No athletes have actually made the team to date, its just a training team, an identification program at this point .

All Provincial Canada Games traiathlon teams are able to have a coach and manager, one must be male and one must be female. The provincial team composition of athletes for the games is three male and three female.

Are there any Roadrunners who might be interested in this opportunity ?

Should any individuals want further information in coaching/ managing our 2009 Canada Games team I would welcome the opportunity to meet with them.

Thank you for any support you may give this request !

Ted Lawlor
Provincial Amateur Sport Coordinator /
Manager 2009 Canada Games Best Ever Program Sport and Recreation Division,
Department of Communities, Cultural Affairs and Labour.
16 Fitzroy Street , Charlottetown
Prince Edward Island , CIA 7N8
phone ( 902 ) 368-4783
fax ( 902 ) 368-4663
e-mail twlawlor@gov.pe.ca
www.gov.pe.ca/cca ( Sport & Recreation)