Athletes Gear up for Games at the Team Rally

Exactly one week before the opening ceremonies, athletes and artists from across the province will gear up for the 2005 Canada Games at the Team Nova Scotia rally on Saturday, July 30.

Since sporting events are divided between the two weeks of the Games, the rally is the only opportunity for all 422 members of Team Nova Scotia to come together. Nova Scotians are welcome to show their support by joining the event, beginning at 1 p.m. at Pier 22, 1031 Marginal Rd., Halifax.

"Over the next couple of weeks, athletes and artists will board planes bound for Regina with one common goal in mind -- to give the performance of their lives for Team Nova Scotia," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Before they go, we're going to give them a great send-off at the rally, and I encourage all Nova Scotians to cheer them on throughout the Games."

Athletes and artists will be joined by their families, coaches, managers, mission staff and sponsors at the event.

"We might not be the biggest team, but we're the team with the biggest hearts and the most spirit," said Kate Scallion, the team's flag bearer. "This is an opportunity to show that Bluenosers can not only compete with the best, but are capable of being the best and winning with a style and grace that no other province has."

Ms. Scallion will compete in cycling in Regina this summer. This is her fourth trip to the Games. She was chosen as flag bearer for her commitment to sport, to her team, and to Nova Scotia.

The Games will run from Aug. 6 to 20 in Regina, Sask. Team Nova Scotia has 330 athletes competing in 16 sports during the two weeks of the Games. The athletes are supported by 45 coaches, 23 managers, two boatmen and 18 mission staff. Four young artists will participate in the National Artists Program at the Games, bringing the team's total to 422 Nova Scotians.

Team Nova Scotia is funded by Nova Scotia Health Promotion. The team sponsors include Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Avis, McDonald's, ATV and the Chronicle Herald.

For more information on Team Nova Scotia, visit the website at http://ns.canadagames.ca/summer2005 .