History The Canada Games were conceived as a major competitive vehicle which would bring together athletes from all Provinces and Territories in a multi-sport environment. In bringing together athletes from all parts of the country, the Canada Games provides an opportunity to measure the development of amateur sport, to asses the training methods used by Canadian athletes, and hopefully to foster an incentive to improve.

Through the pageantry of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and through the social milieu of a national multi-sport event, the games help to strengthen mutual understanding among the athletes and encourage national unity through sport. The Canada Games were first held in Quebec City in February 1967. Alternating Winter and Summer Games have been staged every two years since then. Over the years, the Canada Games have grown in scope, stature and prestige. The Games are a showcase for Canada’s finest young athletes. They are a stimulus for young athletes to achieve levels of high performance. Since 1967 approximately 37,000 Canadian athletes have participated in the Games. More than 445,000 young athletes have taken part in qualifying trials for the national competition.