A week from today, my latest adventure in fitness begins. No, I am not trying a new sport, although I have tried a few in my day. On August 8, the Canada Summer Games begin in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and my stint as a CSG volunteer.
Forty-eight years ago, I volunteered at the Games as a ticket-taker. This time around, I am working behind the scenes as a media supervisor. While it may not be very sporty-minded, my volunteer role is still a chance to learn some new things. I am especially interested in seeing logistical management on a far greater scale than I have been involved with in the past, given that there are more than 5,000 volunteers across multiple sites and teams from 13 provinces and territories represented.
It’s also an opportunity to see young people bring their best selves to their chosen sport, whether as solo athletes or in team-based sports. Between the Winter and Summer Games, young athletes from sea to sea to sea can compete in 40 different sports. This year, women’s baseball makes its debut at the Summer Games, a fact which surprised me, considering how well women’s professional hockey, soccer and basketball have been doing in the last decade or more. I’m curious, as well, to see how the policy focus on and investment in diversity, equity and inclusion in sport are playing out.
I am looking forward to what promises to be an interesting two weeks, seeing both excellence in action and joy in movement.
