Team Manitoba ready to compete at Canada Summer Games

The start of the 2025 Canada Summer Games are right around the corner, as Team Manitoba officially kicked off their campaign by announcing their flagbearer and showing off their uniforms July 29 at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.

The games will feature over two dozen athletes from the region, including eight players on Team Manitoba’s softball team.

Canoe kayaker Luke Enns was named Manitoba’s opening ceremonies flagbearer. The 19-year-old from Winnipeg will be participating in his third Canada Games after an appearance in the 2022 summer games and the 2023 winter games for biathlon.

“I wasn’t expecting this, but it’s pretty cool to represent Team Manitoba in this way,” Enns said in a Sport Manitoba news release.

“It’s pretty amazing (at a Canada Games) to see what can happen when you put your mind to it. There’s always an opportunity to do really well, and if you don’t end up exactly where you want to be, you’re still at the Canada Games.”

New to the Canada games this year is women’s baseball, with provinces sending 16U teams. Five players on the baseball roster are from the region, including Oakbank’s Gemma Strutynski, who made the trip out to Winnipeg with several teammates to take in the send-off festivities.

“I’m really excited, I can’t wait to go,” Strutynski said.

“I’m hoping we bring home something, maybe a medal.”

Strutynski said she hopes to one day represent Team Canada at an international event. The team is coached by Vassar’s Jeremy Culleton.

Eastman will also be sending a strong contingent of swimmers to this year’s games, with five athletes on the Team Manitoba roster from the region.

Manitoba’s Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Nellie Kennedy was on hand at the hall of fame to send off the athletes.

“The Canada Summer Games are a celebration of youth, excellence, and community spirit showcasing the incredible talent of young athletes on a national stage,” she said.

”Team Manitoba reflects our province’s deep commitment to sport, leadership and building a legacy that will inspire future generations.”

The games kick off in St John’s, with the opening ceremonies set to take place Aug. 8.