Niagara Falls, Ontario (August 22, 2022) — Last night, the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games came to a close with an epic Closing Ceremony overlooking The Falls.

Thousands of people paraded through the streets to celebrate an incredible 13 days of competition and to collectively recognize the outstanding achievements of athletes, participants, mission teams, and volunteers. The celebration was capped off by a spectacular fireworks show with the Canada Games flag officially handed over to future hosts, the PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games.

Today, that same flag will set sail for Prince Edward Island aboard Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Oriole to mark the countdown to the 2023 Canada Winter Games, taking place from February 18 - March 5, 2023. PEI 2023 Board Co-Chairs, Wayne Carew and Brian McFeely, met with members of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and the ship’s crew to deliver the flag which will proudly fly on the Oriole’s starboard spreader of the forward mast for the duration of its voyage to PEI.

“It’s time to begin the countdown to the 2023 Canada Winter Games on Prince Edward Island in February,” said the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. “In six months, athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers will come together at the Games. I wish the 2023 Canada Winter Games Host Society, and everyone involved with the event, the best of success.”

“After two weeks of incredible displays of sport, comradery, and memories that will last a lifetime, all eyes will now turn to our Island as we prepare to host the 2023 Canada Winter Games,” said Minister of Health and Wellness, Ernie Hudson. “It’s an honour for our province to build on the legacy of the Canada Games, and we cannot think of a more fitting way to begin that official journey than onboard Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Oriole and with the company of Royal Canadian Navy sailors to show what this represents – teamwork, friendship, and togetherness.”

“It’s been a remarkable two weeks in Niagara and while the final buzzer has sounded, the Canada Games never truly stop. We know the tidal wave of momentum will soon reach the shores of Prince Edward Island for the 2023 Canada Winter Games, and we are thrilled to see the Canada Games flag make its way to the Island aboard the HMCS Oriole and spark greatness along the way,” said Evan Johnston, Chair of the Canada Games Council.

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Royal Canadian Navy and HMCS Oriole to bring the Canada Games flag to the Island by sea,” said Wayne Carew and Brian McFeely, 2023 Board Co-Chairs. “The PEI 2023 Games will create a spirit of unity and showcase the very best of the next generation of athletes and leaders. The Games connect people and communities in ways that go beyond the field of play, and today we feel a sense of collective pride and excitement as we prepare to welcome the nation to our friendly shores in 2023.”

HMCS Oriole is the oldest and longest-serving ship in the RCN. Launched in 1921 and commissioned into the RCN in 1954, Oriole remains true to the original design as an ocean racing yacht. This 101-year-old sailing vessel excels in the mission of providing leadership training to young sailors and helping them discover their self confidence. The Oriole is known for visiting ports as a goodwill ambassador for the RCN.  

“It is an honour for Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Oriole to carry the flag and the spirit of the Canada Games onboard the Ship,” said Lieutenant-Commander Rob Pelton, Commanding Officer, HMCS Oriole. “The commitment and excellence of the athletes who participate in the Canada Games is shared by the Ship’s Company of Oriole who are excited to have this unique opportunity.”

Leaving the Niagara region, the tall ship will make its way through the St. Lawrence Seaway, alongside the sea cliffs of the Gaspé Peninsula, before entering the open waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence where it will reach port 10 days later in Charlottetown on August 31.

A media event and free public reception will be held at Port Charlottetown to welcome the Oriole to PEI. Dignitaries and athletes will accept the Canada Games flag with just 171 days until the 2023 Canada Winter Games.