Flint, MI – August 7-9 hundreds of youth athletes will arrive by bus from Hamilton, Ontario for the 68th playing of the CANUSA games. These games, led and organized by the Crim Fitness Foundation and Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Association, bring together hundreds of young people to compete in as many as 26 sport areas in the longest-running international friendship competition in North America.
Crim CEO, Lauren Holaly-Zembo, said, “We are so excited to host our counterparts from our Sister City of Hamilton. These games are about so much more than sports. They are about connection and cultural exchange, they build friendships. Kids can gain confidence and be part of something bigger than themselves. On behalf of everyone who makes CANUSA possible, I am very proud that youth from Flint and Genesee County can continue to participate in this great tradition.”
Festivities begin with opening ceremonies after Canadian athletes arrive. After the National Anthems are presented, Flint Mayor, Sheldon Neely, will present the Friendship Trophy to the Mayor of the visiting City as a token of peace, brotherhood and true friendship. The games will then commence at dozens of locations throughout Genesee County. This year’s sports offerings include basketball, track, bowling, baseball, soccer, flag football, skeet shooting, swimming, volleyball, and much more.
At the conclusion of the weekend, Closing Ceremonies will be held to see which nation has won the overall CANUSA Games competition.
Unique to the CANUSA Games is that families from the host city open their homes to a traveling athlete who will live with them for the duration of the weekend. The CANUSA Games provides a unique opportunity to learn about the similarities and differences of athletes from both sides of the border and lends itself to the CANUSA motto: “Experience the Friendship.”
Crim Sport Director, Traci Pigot, noted, “At Crim, we have worked year-round on planning and growing awareness regarding the Games. If you are a CANUSA alumnus, would like to volunteer, or would just like to spectate, we’d love to have you come out and support.”
More on the full schedule of events, scores, and highlights can be obtained at crim.org and crim.org/canusa.
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CRIM FITNESS FOUNDATION
The Crim works to cultivate accessible, vibrant communities in Flint and Genesee County that encourage people to lead a healthy lifestyle by integrating physical activity, healthy eating, and mindfulness into their daily lives. We mentor other communities to do the same. The Crim uses events, programs, policy, systems, and environmental change to transform the culture of health in the communities we serve.
