Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games torch run comes to Grimsby
A warmth warning couldn’t cease Grimsby’s participation within the torch relay.
The torch relay, which is winding its means by way of all of Niagara’s municipalities, stopped off in Grimsby on July 23.
Starting on the John Deere location on Hunter Street, the relay went all through Grimsby earlier than ending on the Grimsby Peach King Centre.
John Tooke was the primary torch bearer, adopted by Carol Zhang, Monica Solar Koziejko, Sam Owusu, Paul Nguyen, Heidi Tillmans, Laen Hanson, Sydney Nichols, Robert Clark, and Gillian Mauro.
Previous to the relay there was a pep rally held.
Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan stated they have been blissful to be internet hosting the relay.
Jordan stated in the course of the 13 for 13 occasion a part of the video games that Grimsby had been paired with Prince Edward Island.
The occasion will happen on the Peach King Centre on August 20.
He stated he was additionally wanting ahead to the softball competitions Grimsby could be internet hosting.
Video games board of administrators member David Veres stated there could be greater than 5,000 athletes coming to compete within the area.
The Video games will function 18 sports activities and happen throughout 19 venues from Aug. 6 by way of Aug. 21.
“That’s together with an inaugural rugby 7s competitors, the return of lacrosse after a 37-year absence from the Video games and the first-ever lady’s lacrosse competitors within the historical past of the Video games,” stated Veres.
Clark, one of many torchbearers, stated he was “wanting ahead” to being one of many torchbearers.
“I’m actually wanting ahead to this. I’m excited,” stated Clark.
Tillmans stated it was “an honour” to hold the torch.
Born in Grimsby, Tillmans stated she works because the nationwide supervisor of infrastructure and signage for the Trans Canada Path.
Tillsman stated when the torch got here from Ottawa it travelled alongside the path.
She stated she is certainly wanting ahead to attending the video games later this summer time.
Gillian Mauro, a wheelchair tennis athlete, stated she was “excited to be concerned in one thing of this magnitude.”
Mauro stated she needed to thank everybody, saying “the neighborhood help is big.”
“I’m actually excited to have this right here,” she stated.
Tooke, who has participated within the video games himself, stated “nonetheless 27 years later, I keep in mind all the sentiments that I had as a participant as an athlete within the Canada Video games,” stated Tooke.
“I keep in mind strolling alongside fellow athletes from our province into the opening ceremonies,” he stated, including “the sensation of camaraderie of strolling alongside athletes that you simply’re collaborating with which are all representing the province.”
He stated he was wanting ahead to seeing what this yr’s video games maintain, figuring out the athletes would “really feel that camaraderie, construct these friendships and really feel the delight of representing their province inside these video games.”
The Video games alternate between summer time and winter occasions each two years and are the very best nationwide competitors stage for 1000’s of up-and-coming Canadian athletes with Olympic aspirations.
They have been attributable to be held in Niagara final yr, however have been delayed by the pandemic. The Winter Video games will happen subsequent March in Prince Edward Island.
To study extra concerning the Niagara 2022 Video games, go to niagara2022games.ca
