A Witless Bay student has been selected to be a torchbearer for the Orangestore 2025 Canada Games Torch Relay after judges selected his design for an official games mascot from among some 300 submissions received.

The capital city region is hosting the 2025 Canada Games.

Students in grades 4 to 6 from across the province were invited to submit a design for the official games mascot that reflects the province’s identity, culture and heritage.

Michael Tobin came up with Gusty, a smiling cod fish clad in oilskins.

CEO of the 2025 Canada Games, Karen Sherriffs says “its heartening to witness the incredible creativity and talent displayed by students…as they brought their visions to life.”

Tobin and his entire class will be treated to a special party, complete with a visit from Gusty, and he will have an opportunity to be torchbearer in the torch relay.

Gusty will come to life in June, traveling throughout the region to help build excitement for the coming games.