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A hot summer sun in Corner Brook paled in comparison to the energy inside the Civic Centre on Saturday, as athletes from across Newfoundland and Labrador came together to mark the beginning of the 50th Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games.
Over 1,500 athletes from 10 different regions will compete in 10 sports over the course of the next week in the spirit of community and competition.
Myles Best, a swimmer who will be representing Team Labrador, said he can’t wait to begin.
“Dude, I’m so pumped. I’m so excited to represent my region, and, you know, do the best I can for them,” Best told CBC News Saturday.
“I’m so glad I can do it. It makes me so happy.”
The Games will primarily take place in Corner Brook, which hosted the first provincial summer games 50 years ago in 1976. Stephenville will also host track and field events in the second-half of the week, who co-hosted the first event.
Athletes were guided into the ceremony by community members who competed in the 1976 Games.
Emma Cook, a soccer player representing Team Host — which includes Corner Brook and a number of surrounding communities — said she could already feel the energy in the room before the ceremony.
“I’m really excited, it’s been really good so far … It’s definitely a really cool experience,” she said.
Teammate Olivia Greene said she’ll revel in playing in front of the home crowd.
“It’s amazing to get to play in front of them,” she said.
PHOTOS | Step onto the floor of the opening ceremony:
Carson Hobbs, a golfer from Pouch Cove competing for the St. John’s North region, said each time at the Games is exciting. This will be his third Games — and his third different sport.
“It’s very high energy. I played basketball and baseball here, it’s obviously a very good time,” Hobbs said. “Very good, very fun … It’s usually pretty high energy here,” Hobbs said.
The ceremony, hosted by Corner Brook-born This Hour Has 22 Minutes Star Trent MacLellan, ended with the Games officially opening with the lighting of the Games cauldron. The cauldron was lit by Rosie Allen, competing in golf for the Host team.
The Games will run from Aug. 8-15. CBC N.L. will have extensive coverage throughout the games. The Signal will be live in Corner Brook on Aug. 11 and 12, while Here & Now will broadcast live from Corner Brook on Aug. 12.
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