Newfoundland and Labrador para-athlete Gavin Baggs is going to have to clear some space to display his medals won at the 2025 Canada Summer Games.
Baggs led the medal count for Team NL with three medals in wheelchair track and one medal in the para swimming event.
Baggs was chosen as the flag-bearer at the closing ceremonies, capping a memorable games experience.
(Team NL/Facebook)
“I was absolutely honoured when I got that call. You know, there’s so many amazing athletes that this could have gone to. Newfoundland has so many amazing athletes that have had so many great moments over these games”
“So for them to choose me, I was absolutely honoured. And again, it’s something that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
Five awards were presented to those involved with the 2025 Canada Summer Games before the closing ceremonies last night, and three of those went to Newfoundlanders.
The ceremony was held inside the Convention Centre just as people were starting to file in to Mary Brown’s Centre.
Jamie Randall (VOCM News)
Jamie Randell, Chef de Mission for Team NL, accepted the Jack Pelech Award on behalf of the team.
That award is presented to the team that best combines competitive performance, good sportsmanship, and a spirit of fair play, cooperation, and friendship.
After accepting the award, Randell stated that she was “at a loss for words.”
She says everyone involved poured their hearts and souls into the games, and calls it a “true honour” to be recognized by their peers to say that they have achieved their goals.
Molly Pomeroy (VOCM News)
Molly Pomeroy, a track and field athlete who was competing in her 3rd games, was given the Pat Lechelt award for exemplifying true sport principals.
She says being recognized for all her hard work means a lot.
She says she loves track and field and tries to give back whenever she can. She says she is “so honoured” to receive the award, and hopes it can inspire the kids she coaches and others to work hard and give back.
Dave and Debbie Shortall (VOCM News)
Two volunteers from this province, Dave and Debbie Shortall, were also honoured with the Paul Flaherty Volunteer Award.
