By Alex LaGrone, Staff Writer
The CANUSA Games opening ceremony was held at Kettering Atwood Stadium on Friday, August 9. The Flint Olympian Games participants began training in June with the hope to compete against each other and possibly represent Flint vs. Hamilton of Ontario in the CANUSA Games.
Flint hosted hundreds of athletes from Hamilton, ON for the 62nd CANUSA Games where the top athletes from Greater Flint Olympian Games represented the Flint/Genesee County area in this unique international event with Flint’s sister city.
The CANUSA Games were held from August 9-11. Throughout the history of the CANUSA Games, there have been more than 26 different sports for athletes to participate and compete in. Common sports such as basketball, baseball, swimming, tennis, as well as uncommon sports such as archery, skeet, hockey, track, soccer, bowling, darts, volleyball, and weightlifting are just some of the sports that have been offered throughout the rich history of the Games. These sporting events were open to all ages during the Flint Olympian Games
This is where the motto and the spirit of the games “Experience the Friendship” comes into play. After the daily competition, athletes got a chance to just be kids and learn the different customs and cultures from each other, showing them what their host city has to offer and help create memories that can last a lifetime.
“The families have a chance to get close and establish those international relationships,” said Sean Croudy co-chair of the Flint Olympian Games and CANUSA Games.
Hamilton’s 14 and under girls’ basketball coach, Jax Douse, expressed her joy in experiencing these games.
“This is my second year as a coach. I played as a 12-year-old and have been a part of the CANUSA Games for around 13 years and love the competition, and mostly the fellowship that comes with it,” said Douse.
Hamilton native David Kolm and his 12-year-old daughter Chole who played on the girls’ basketball team attended for the first time.
“This is our first year and my daughter and I are experiencing this and enjoying the great hospitality he said. “We didn’t know what to expect, but we are having a great time here in Flint.”
Event organizers also announced the CANUSA 5K Run and Walk, to be held Saturday, September 14, in conjunction with the Ally Challenge presented by McLaren, at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club. All proceeds from the race will support the Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games.
