Let the Games begin! Reminiscent of an Island kitchen party, the athletes were all smiles and a capacity crowd was brought to its feet during the Opening Ceremony of the PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games.
Combining grand pageantry with authentic “Island” stories, it was a night to remember at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown as over 300 performers celebrated the landmarks and the unique charm and character of the communities that make up Prince Edward Island.
With a warm Island welcome, the 29th edition of the Canada Games is now underway with over 3,600 athletes, managers, and coaches, across 20 different sports, ready to compete and spark greatness in the largest multi-sport event in the country. With a forecasted economic impact of over $100 million, the PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games will be the largest event hosted in Prince Edward Island’s history.
“This evening we felt a collective sense of pride and excitement as the athletes stepped onto the national stage for the opening of the 2023 Canada Winter Games. Over the next two weeks, we look forward to celebrating the very best in Canadian sports and sharing our unique Island spirit with the entire nation,” said Wayne Carew, Chair, PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games.
“The opening ceremony was spectacular and truly set the tone for the Games! In the next two
weeks, all eyes will be on Prince Edward Island as it welcomes the country and its top provincial and territorial athletes,” said the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. “I would like to highlight the wonderful work of everyone involved. The Government of Canada is proud to help make these Games a reality. Good luck to all the athletes competing!”
“Featuring some of the most iconic Island symbols, stories, and traditions, the Opening Ceremony was the perfect way to welcome everyone to Prince Edward Island,” said The Honourable Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island. “With the help of thousands of volunteers, and supported by their family, friends, coaches, and managers, this generation’s top young athletes will have one of the most memorable Canada Winter Games experiences the Island way. Good luck to all our competitors!”
“We are thrilled to see the nation unite from far and wide in a celebration of Canadian sport and spirit at the PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games,” said Evan Johnston, Chair, Canada Games Council. The Opening Ceremony was a thrilling way to kick off what will be two amazing weeks as the country’s top young athletes compete on the national stage and spark greatness on and off the field from coast to coast to coast.”
“We have all worked so hard to get to this point, the athletes, team officials, volunteers, and everyone involved with the Canada Games. Team PEI is ready to host the nation, and make memories that will last a lifetime!” – Joanne Wallace, Team PEI, Chef de Mission
“To be named Flagbearer for Team PEI is an incredible honour, one that we will never forget. After four long years of training, travelling, and competing, we can’t wait to lead Team PEI into the 2023 Canada Games.” – Ryan Dwyer and Ella Lenentine, Team PEI Flagbearers
Held every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games are the country’s marquee event for amateur sport representing the highest level of national competition for thousands of up-and-coming Canadian athletes. This uniquely Canadian event, which counts Andre De Grasse, Sidney Crosby, Steve Nash, Katarina Roxon and Hayley Wickenheiser as alumni, is also one of the only multi-sport competitions in the world that features events for able-bodied athletes, as well as athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities.
The PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games will feature an inaugural Karate match, Mixed Doubles Curling match, and the first-ever women’s Boxing match in the history of the Canada Games. Canadians nationwide will be able watch competitions live and other on-demand content on the new Canada Games streaming platform for free. The 15-day broadcast will feature over 1,200 hours of live event coverage.
The full 2023 Canada Games broadcast schedule, including CBC Sports and Radio-Canada Sports coverage, can be found online here.
