Third of Three Photo Collections

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND, Canada – From August 15-29, thousands of impressive young athletes showcased their skills and competitive spirit at the 2009 Canada Games here.

Hundreds of successful competitors gained gold, silver or bronze medals. Altogether, more than 4,400 athletes, coaches and managers participated in 18 sports. Yet the biggest winners must have been the thrilled fans who witnessed one sporting spectacle after another for a solid two weeks.

As usual, Ontario, the most populous province, won the most medals with 202. The real race turned out to be for second place. Quebec collected 145 medals, just ahead of British Columbia’s 144, but B.C. earned more gold (57 to 42). Then came Alberta (76 medals), Nova Scotia (52), Saskatchewan (48) and Manitoba (24). Among the much smaller jurisdictions, New Brunswick had seven medals, Newfoundland six, Prince Edward Island and the Yukon four each, and the Northwest Territories and Nunavut none.

Some competitions and scores looked a little lopsided, but that’s normal as giant provinces face tiny rivals. Consider that Ontario has 13 million people, Quebec eight million and British Columbia 4.4 million. In contrast, PEI, the smallest province, picks its athletes from among only 140,000 people. But even that’s more than the thinly populated northern territories.

Plenty of fun arose from watching the fans find creative ways to cheer on their teams. Along with the flag-waving and yelling, some even smeared “Go, team, go” slogans on dirty vehicle windows in the parking lots.

Held every two years since 1967, the Canada Games serve as a “pinnacle of national competition”. What better preparation for future Olympians?


Hot weather intensifies the challenges.


In soccer, Prince Edward Island defends
the home turf against Newfoundland.


Manitoba women hoopsters huddle.


Pedal-minded athletes prepare for bicycle races.


Poised to pursue, no matter where the ball flies.


A softball hurtles toward the catcher's mitt.


The Canadian flag leads a pre-game procession.

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