First Wave of Athletes Fly to Regina

The first wave of Team Nova Scotia athletes will catch their flight to Regina tonight, Aug. 5, for the 2005 Canada Games.

About half of the team's 330 athletes will compete in the first week of the Games. Their sports are: baseball, mens' and women's basketball, canoe/kayak, cycling, rugby, sailing, women's soccer, women's softball, swimming and tennis.

On Saturday, these athletes will march into the opening ceremonies at Taylor Field, led by cyclist Kate Scallion carrying the Nova Scotia flag.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to send good luck messages to the athletes through the Team Nova Scotia website at http://ns.canadagames.ca/summer2005 . Messages for a specific athlete should include the person's name and sport.

Team Nova Scotia 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. Sponsors include the Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Avis, McDonald's, ATV and the Chronicle Herald.

The Games run from Aug. 6 to 20.