Congratulations to Maëlle Sanborn from Team British Columbia and Gavin Baggs from Team Newfoundland & Labrador, who were chosen among athletes from coast to coast to coast that competed at the St. John’s 2025 Canada Games.

This Canada Games Award, previously won by Olympic Champion and NHL great Sidney Crosby, is presented to one athlete in a men’s sport and one athlete in a women’s sport whose performance at this edition of the Canada Games exemplifies athletic excellence, leadership, and perseverance.

Both athletes, after excelling at the Canada Games this summer, have continued training, with new goals in mind.

Sanborn competed in swimming, accumulating five gold medals across individual and team disciplines.

“I find it so amazing that all the hard work and dedication I have put into my sport is being recognized,” she said. “Being given the same award as an Olympic Champion makes me feel confident that the steps I have been taking towards my future are ones in the right direction.”

Sanborn’s next objective is to compete at the 2026 Junior Pan Pacific Championships, to be hosted in her home province. And after that, she has aspirations to make the senior national team.

“I think it would be such a fulfilling experience to represent my country.”

Baggs competed for the Host province in both swimming and athletics, totalling four medals across the two sports.

“I am honoured to be one of the two to be given this honour for these Games,” he said. “I know how many spectacular athletes competed at the Games this year, and there are so many deserving of this award, so for the committee to choose me for this is an absolutely amazing feeling.”

While he competed in para swimming and para athletics events at the 2025 Canada Games, Baggs has his sights set on competing at the Paralympics in para hockey. He said making the team for the 2026 Paralympics would be a dream come true.

“If I don't make it this year, it will fuel me to keep working hard, improve my game and set my goals on 2030.”