Team Nova Scotia Off to Winning Start in Regina

Under a hot Saskatchewan sun, Team Nova Scotia kicked off the first day of Canada Games' competitions on Sunday, Aug. 7, with wins in women's soccer and women's basketball.

The women's basketball team won 60-39 against Quebec while the women's soccer team won 8-0 against the Northwest Territories.

"Everyone brings their best to the Games, so we're not taking any teams lightly. We all played really hard and together, and kept our composure," said Alexandra Legge, co-captain of women's basketball. "It's cool to have our other Nova Scotia teammates cheering for us."

While there were no wins in tennis preliminaries, all players performed above expectations. Singles player Phillip Anderson proved to be tough competition for British Columbia's Graeme Kassautski, the top seed in Canada.

Women's softball players faced Quebec with a 4-0 loss. Pitcher Janelle Greene threw a good game and captain Becky Stewart got the team's only base hit.

The men's basketball game ended with a final score of 73-41 for British Columbia.

The first day of competition followed an evening of cultural performances, a Mardi Gras parade, the lighting of the Canada Games' torch, and fireworks at the opening ceremonies, on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Taylor Field. About 20,000 parents and fans cheered Team Nova Scotia into the opening ceremonies, led by flag bearer Kate Scallion, a cyclist from Wentworth.

Today, Team Nova Scotia faces competition in all sports except men's and women's basketball and women's soccer.