During the past two weeks at the 2015 Canada Winter Games, Team PEI has competed on the national stage with passion while demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“I am very proud of Team PEI and of our athletes’ individual performances at the Games,” said Currie. “Our team has not only demonstrated their ability to compete against the best in Canada, but they were also great ambassadors for our province while in Prince George.”
Judo athlete Brandon Bernard won Team PEI’s only medal at the Games – a bronze in the plus-100 kilogram class. Connor Jinks was awarded the most sportsmanship award within the squash discipline of the Games. Squash officials and technical team select the one male and one female recipient who best exemplify the ideals of sport and competition.
Team PEI finished second in the Canada Games Centennial Cup, an award presented to the provincial or territorial team that shows the greatest improvement from one Games to the next. New Brunswick was this year’s recipient.
“The Canada Games offers our athletes the opportunity to experience another level of competition that enhances their skill development, with many of our athletes achieving individual and team personal bests at this year’s Games,” added Currie. “For many of our athletes, the Games will be a highlight of their athletic career. The Games is also where many life-long friendships will be developed between athletes who have experienced this unique pan-Canadian event together.”
Team PEI’s delegation included 196 athletes, coaches, managers and mission staff, representing 17 teams competing in 15 sports.
Minister Currie also extended his congratulations and appreciation to the 12 members of the Team PEI mission staff for their commitment, hard work and support leading up to and during the Canada Games.
For more information on Team PEI, including athlete profiles, competition results, photos and other Games information, visit www.teampei.ca.
BACKGROUND:
The Centennial Cup:
The awarding of the Centennial Cup exemplifies the pan-Canadian sport development objective of the Canada Games. It is presented to the provincial or territorial team that shows the greatest improvement from one Summer Games to the next or from one Winter Games to the next. The point differences for each province in each sport are combined to give an overall measure of change, and the province with the greatest positive change is awarded the Centennial Cup. The Centennial Cup has been won by 10 different provinces and territories since added to the Games in 1971.
The Centennial Cup was designed by Mr. Robert S. Kent of Kingston and is modeled after the Katimavik Pavilion at Expo 67. It was crafted in part from 37 precious metals and wood laminations representing 10 provinces and two territories. It was donated to the Canada Games by the City of Kingston, Ontario in 1970.
About 2015 Canada Winter Games:
The 2015 Canada Winter Games is the largest multi-sport and cultural event to ever be held in Prince George and northern British Columbia and is forecasted to generate an economic impact of over $90 million while building champions and inspiring dreams amongst Canadian youth. Athletes from 10 provinces and three territories compete in 19 sports with the dream of becoming Canada’s next champions.
About the Canada Games:
The Canada Games are Canada’s largest multi-sport Games. Held once every two years, alternating between winter and summer Games, the Canada Games represent the highest level of national competition for up and coming Provincial and Territorial athletes. The Games have been hosted in every province at least once since their inception in Quebec City during Canada’s Centennial in 1967. The Games are proud of their contribution to Canada’s sport development system in addition to their lasting legacy of sport facilities, community pride and national unity.