More than 250 athletes from around the region proudly marched onto the soccer field in Clarenville Monday morning to take part in the opening ceremonies for the fourth annual Vista Regional Games.
Leading the athletes onto the field was games coordinator Jalen Blackmore.
After several weeks of planning the Games were ready to start.
On hand for the kick off of the games was Mayor Fred Best, Trinity North MHA Ross Wiseman, CARA president Gerard Greene and several other dignitaries.
The main object of the Games is to promote fitness among the youth of the region.
“ Our mandate is to give as many youth as possible the opportunity to participate in a multi-sport competition,” says Pickett. “Most importantly, the objective of these games is for you, the athletes, to have fun.”
Pickett also extended special greetings to the athletes and staff from the Ability Employment Corporation.
“We’re delighted once again to have these athletes be part of these games,” he says. “It’s great to see so man interested in taking part. Enjoy yourselves and have fun.
Participants from the Ability Employment Corporation have a full day of activities planned today, Thursday, Aug. 5 at the Elizabeth Swan Park.
Mayor Fred Best recognized CARA and the host committee for their efforts in bringing the regional games to Clarenville for a fourth straight year.
“These games don’t happen without a lot of planning. These games are the result of a lot of hard work by CARA members,” says Best. “It’s a credit to these people that these games are held each year.
“CARA is made up of a group of people that are devoted to promoting recreation in this area. Over the years they have proven their worth and these Vista games are another fine example of what they do.”
The provincial government provided funding for the games. MHA Ross Wiseman says government is committed to providing the opportunity for the youth of the province to come together for friendly competition.
CARA is made up of a group of people that are devoted to promoting recreation in this area. Over the years they have proven their worth and these Vista games are another fine example of what they do. - Clarenville Mayor Fred Best
“These regional games provides an opportunity to not only participate in sports, but it also brings communities together,” says Wiseman.
It brings people together for a sporting event where people can have a lot of fun and to share good times together over the four days of the event.”
Wiseman also recognized the parents who support their children.
“To the parents who have come out to support these athletes, thank you. Sometimes it’s not always easy for young children to take part in events like this. Without your support and commitment it would not be possible,” he says.
The games on Monday saw athletes representing Gambo, Bonavista, Catalina, Lethbridge and Musgravetown area as well as athletes from the host centre ready to participate.”
The MHA also recognized the efforts of CARA in bringing the games back for a fourth year.
“CARA has proven year after year that in this region we can host major sporting events like this because we have a pool of committed people and we have the resources and facilities to be able to host these games.
It was quite fitting the opening ceremonies was held at the soccer field. Soccer was the first sport to be featured on the opening day of the four-day sporting extravaganza.
The other sport featured on opening day was bowling. Throughout the week six other sports were featured including softball, basketball, swimming, ball hockey, beach volleyball and cross-country and track.
Watch next week’s edition of the Packet for a wrap up of the games.
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