麻豆社区

The Canada Summer Games in Sherbrooke, Que. wrapped up Saturday with a colourful closing ceremony.

The Yukon did not win a medal at the multi-sport tournament, but did record a series of historical firsts, including the first win over a province in men's volleyball action and the first A final for a track athlete from the territory.

Ontario led the way with 213 total medals, while host Quebec finished second with 172. British Columbia edged Alberta by four medals to place third with 122.

The tournament flag will next fly in Prince George, B.C. for the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

"What an amazing two weeks of competition this has been,鈥� said Canada Games Council chairman Tom Quinn. "The country's best young athletes gathered in Sherbrooke and put on a spectacular show. The Games have been an incredible experience for both athletes and spectators.鈥�

Federal Minister of State (Sport) Bal Gosal was in Sherbrooke for much of the tournament, and he congratulated the 3,400 athletes involved.

"Canada is a great sporting nation and to all of the athletes and coaches here in Sherbrooke, you made us proud,鈥� he said. "Along with all Canadians, I look forward to watching you all as you reach for your highest potential in the coming years.鈥�

Tom Allen, chair of Sherbrooke's executive organizing committee, told athletes to keep developing their skills.

"I hope you will continue to develop your skills, and keep in mind your personal victories and lessons learned at these Canada Games,鈥� he told the athletes. "The people you met, the friends you made, and your achievements here will follow you throughout the journey, as you experience many other challenges and achieve your dreams in the years ahead.鈥�

Team Yukon put in a great effort for the small territory.

Logan Roots achieved one of the highlights, logging a personal-best 3:59:95 in the 1,500-metre final last week, good enough for 11th in the country.

"I really wanted to break four minutes,鈥� he told the Star. "That was a big goal. I was a little more nervous for that race than most other races that I've done before, but I was happy.鈥�

Heading into Sherbrooke, Roots's previous personal best in the 1,500-m was 4:04.

"The track was awesome,鈥� the runner explained of his ability to shave off four seconds from his previous best time.

"We had very calm conditions, perfect temperatures, and the crowd was awesome 鈥� super loud. There's definitely a little more pressure, but it's definitely more motivating to be out there on the track.鈥�

Roots and his running partner Logan Boehmer would go on to log more personal bests in the 5,000-metre Friday night, with times of 15:23.21 and 16:08.22, respectively.

For his efforts, Roots was named Team Yukon's flag bearer for the Games' closing ceremonies.

The men's soccer team achieved one last highlight Friday, rounding out their tournament by shutting out the Northwest Territories 2-0. Yukon goals came from Tristin Olynyk and Mike Amirault.

Despite the lack of medal wins, Team Yukon chef de mission Trevor Twardochleb said the territory's involvement proved to be a success on many counts.

"Anytime you go to a competition like this, you have certain goals,鈥� he said this morning. "If you can look at yourself in the mirror and say 鈥榊ou know what? I gave everything I had' ... I think that pays big dividends in your success in the future.鈥�

While the Yukon endured its share of tough losses, they also enjoyed some sweet wins as the male volleyball team took down Prince Edward Island not once, but twice.

"In the end, that helps build your character,鈥� Twardochleb said of the losses. "You've got to learn how to lose before you learn how to win, some people say. But all these great experiences make for better people.鈥�

He said Team Yukon will forever be grateful to the host society in Sherbrooke for the memories made.

"It was just a wonderful experience,鈥� he said. "You're playing against some of the best athletes in Canada. How can you not take away good things?鈥�

Many of Team Yukon's young athletes will be eligible to return to future competition, which also bodes well for the territory, said Twardochleb.

"It's tough when you're competing against these larger contingents, and there's been a lot said about that,鈥� he said. "But in the end, I think it's important to compete, to go out there and give it your best, because it's only going to pay off.鈥�