Wildfires force venue changes, postponements at the Canada Games

Team Manitoba athletes at the Canada Summer Games have not been immune to the effects of the ongoing wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador, although most of their events have gone without a hitch.

The affected sports this week included sailing, beach volleyball, lacrosse and baseball.

Sailing was postponed on Wednesday and resumed on Thursday.

Beach volleyball matches were postponed on Wednesday during the day and resumed in the evening with restrictions — only athletes, team staff and volunteers were permitted at the venue. Competition was also postponed on Tuesday after an evacuation alert was issued for Paradise, N.L., about 15 minutes south of St. John’s.

Meanwhile, lacrosse contests have moved from Paradise to an arena in St. John’s in the wake of the evacuation orders, and baseball games taking place in Mount Pearl (90 minutes south of St. John’s) have also relocated to the provincial capital due to the smoke from the Paddy’s Pond fire.

This is the first year that the Games have featured women’s baseball.

The travelling smoke may have a bigger impact on the Games next week when outdoor events, such as athletics, begin.

Team Manitoba officials also confirmed that provincial athletes and coaches will not be affected if the looming Air Canada strike comes to fruition, as they were chartered into Newfoundland and Labrador. Fans travelling to the Games next week, however, may be affected.

— Joshua Frey-Sam