Jeux du Canada Games preparation is ramping up for members of Team Manitoba.
The Games get underway in two weeks, running from Aug. 8 to 25 in St. John’s, N.L., with athletes putting in final touches before heading east.
For Maria Riddell of Warren, her sport is box lacrosse, where she plays offence for the U17 Girls Team Manitoba.
Since last fall, the 16-year-old has gone through a lengthy tryout process, which continued into the spring.
Following official tryouts in April, Riddell was named to Team Toba, securing her place at the first Canada Games of her career.
“I’m really excited for the atmosphere — it’s going to kind of be like the Olympics almost, seeing all the different athletes from Manitoba compete in different sports,” said Riddell. “I’m just excited to do it with my team and have lots of fun.”
The Games will mark the biggest tournament to date for Riddell, who competed at nationals last year. She said she’s also proud to represent her hometown and province, as the only player from Warren on the roster. The majority of her teammates come from Winnipeg and Brandon.
Despite the geographical distance, Riddell said the time the team has spent together since the fall has strengthened their chemistry and play.
Earlier in July, the team travelled to Halifax, N.S., where they won silver at the Lobster Trap Tournament.
Just last week, Team Toba hosted the Prairie Cup Regional Tournament in Brandon, advancing all the way to the final before falling 1–0 to Team Saskatchewan — a team they had previously beaten in the round-robin.
Still, Manitoba brought home another silver medal — and a valuable scouting report on their Prairie rivals, who they will face again in the preliminary round at the Games.
“Playing these games has really benefited us in getting better and prepared for the Canada Summer Games,” said Riddell. “It’s been great to see all our months of practice come together, because we’ve had quite a bit of success at these tournaments so far.”
Team Manitoba will compete in Pool B alongside New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Saskatchewan. Pool A consists of Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.
Team Toba will need to finish in the top three in their pool to advance to the quarterfinals.
They open the tournament Sunday, Aug. 10 against Team New Brunswick at 11 a.m. at the Paradise Double Ice Complex.
