About the CANUSA Games

The CANUSA Games were created in 1958 through the joint efforts of the Canadian and United States Amateur Athletics Unions (A.A.U.). Having conducted their Flint Olympian Games in July of 1957, Flint officials, Frank J. Manley and Charles Stewart Mott, were looking for another competition for their Olympian winners and contacted their A.A.U. for support. The A.A.U. of the United States contacted the Canadian A.A.U looking for a city of comparable size and interest. Hamilton, Ontario was selected, hence the birth of the CANUSA (Canada/U.S.A.) Games. It was also decided the site of the Games would alternate yearly between the two cities.

In 1958, a caravan of cars left Flint on the second weekend in August, led by Hamilton chairman Wilf Thomas and his volunteer committee. That year approximately 200 athletes from each city competed in seven sport areas. From these meager beginnings, the volunteer spirit caught on and the ideals continue today. Over the years athletes have competed in 36 different individual and team Sport Areas.

The CANUSA Opening Ceremonies provide many highlights including the 245 mile marathon torch run between Flint and Hamilton; the lighting of the torch; the playing of both National Anthems; and the Mayoral Friendship Trophy exchange symbolizing peace, brotherhood and friendship between competitors, the two cities and the two countries.

The philosophy of the CANUSA Games is to demonstrate the practicality of a community approach to international goodwill through the vehicle of amateur athletics. Each year, families from the host city open their homes on CANUSA weekend to the athletes from the visiting city in the spirit of goodwill and neighborliness. The CANUSA Games provides a unique opportunity to learn about the similarities and differences of athletes from both sides of the border by giving individuals the chance to improve themselves while representing their city and meeting new friends. Thus, our motto “Experience The Friendship.”