Games torch enroute to Bay Roberts

By Mark Squibb

Representatives of Bay Roberts were in Gander last week to officially accept the NL Games Torch at the close of the 2024 NL Winter Games hosted by Gander.

The Town of Bay Roberts will be hosting the 2024 NL Summer Games.

“It was a very proud moment, and we’d like to congratulate Gander on a wonderful Games,” said Mayor Walter Yetman. “The Games went really well, and it was a really, really good closing ceremony.”

Yetman added the torch was now en route to Bay Roberts.

“The torch Is heading along the Trans Canada now — it’s probably near Gambo by now,” he joked. “Hopefully it’ll get here by August. I’m sure it will.”

Council has been preparing for the Games for some time, having been chosen to host them back in 2020 only to see them postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and rescheduled to this year.

Ahead of the Games, council has allocated $250,000 to the Summer Games host committee to help meet operational needs, and another $225,000 to cover additional labour costs and facility improvements, as per Budget 2024. The arena, pool, tennis courts, soccer field and softball fields will all see improvements as a result of the spending.

Additionally, council have has earmarked $150,000 for the replacement of the stage at the Bay Arena ahead of the Games.

The Summer Games will run from August 10 to the 17.

A 2024 NL Summer Games Launch Party will be held at 7 p.m. on March 20, at Ascension Collegiate.

Those interested in volunteering with the NL Summer Games are welcome to drop by.