Team Yukon is ready to represent the territory at the 2022 Canada Summer Games
For the first time in three years, the Yukons athletes are ready to don the territorys colours and represent the North proudly.
Team Yukon is small, but mighty, and known for its hard work and sportsmanship. Over 200 athletes, coaches, and mission staff will be making the trip to Niagara.
Leading Team Yukon into the opening ceremonies will be cyclist Mara Roldan who recently earned gold at the national championships in the junior criterium.
Its a great honour knowing Ill be the first one to step out and lead the team into the opening ceremonies, said Roldan, who will compete in both road and mountain biking. There will be incredible athletes behind me. Im excited to be with the team and am super proud to be the flagbearer.
Other sports Yukoners will be competing in are basketball, beach volleyball, canoe and kayak, cycling, golf, soccer, swimming, volleyball, and wrestling.
Team Yukons Chef de Mission Trevor Twardochleb said the athletes and coaches have been training diligently to be ready to go.
Its been a long road back to the Canada Games for Team Yukon and our fellow delegations, said Twardochleb. The territorys athletes and coaches have been working tirelessly to prepare for Niagara. With the uncertainty COVID-19 caused, Im especially proud of everyones efforts and we cant wait to begin competition.
The population of the Yukon is 43,025. Of that, close to 30 thousand live in the capital Whitehorse. The next largest community is Dawson City, with a population of 1,300.
Nine athletes are representing the Yukon communities outside of Whitehorse. Haines Junction and Dawson City have three athletes, while Watson Lake, Mayo, and Marsh Lake each have one Team Yukon representative.
Two coaches hail from the communities Watson Lake and Pelly Crossing.
Team Yukon is made possible by the support of the Yukon Government.
Competing at a major games requires a great amount of drive and determination, said minister of community services Richard Mostyn. We are proud to support Yukon athletes and provide positive opportunities that will enhance their growth as individuals, leaders, and community members. I wish everyone the best of luck and I look forward to cheering Team Yukon on in person.
In Niagara, you wont just find Team Yukon on the field of play. The Yukon has partnered with the city of St. Catherines for the 13 for 13 Cultural Festival on Aug. 11, displaying our unique cultural heritage as well as entertainment, art, and culinary experiences.
Go Team Yukon!