NORTH RUSTICO, P.E.I. — A mother was brought to tears as she watched her daughter’s shocked reaction in finding out her drawing was selected as the winner in the 2023 Canada Winter Games mascot design contest.
Terra Doucette of Anglo Rustico was told three weeks ago that a drawing penned by her nine-year-old daughter, Myla, had been chosen out of 1,200 entries from across P.E.I.
However, it’s a secret Terra kept for three weeks until Tuesday, June 14.
The Canada Winter Games team made the announcement of the winning drawing in front of Myla’s Grade 3 class at Gulf Shore Consolidated School.
“She was really proud of it and she worked really hard on it, so I am over the moon for her,’’ Terra Doucette told The Guardian as she wiped away tears. “This is such an amazing experience.’’
Jenn Redmond, who sat on the judging panel, said Myla's design stood out because it prominently featured a red fox, P.E.I.’s provincial animal. She said judges also liked that she tied the fox in with her favourite sport, ringette, which is one of the many sports at the Winter Games.
In addition, Redmond said Myla showcased the local art and culture of the Abegweit Mi’kmaq First Nation people.
“I really, really like foxes because they’re really cool and pretty,’’ Myla said when The Guardian asked her about where her inspiration came from. “I also love drawing, so whenever I saw this (contest) I really, really wanted to enter. I definitely did not know I was going to win out of all of those (entries).’’
Myla’s mother said she is trying to wrap her mind around the fact that her daughter’s mascot design will live on for years.
Winning the contest could also influence Myla's future.
“She’s been saying since she was three she wants to be an artist when she grows up. I just think of the fuel this is going to give her and the inspiration to her creativity is amazing.’’
Enjoys drawing
Marilyn Doucette, Myla’s grandmother, said the youngster is drawing all the time.
“I have her before school and after school, and after school she is often drawing pictures,’’ said Marilyn. “I’ve been amazed by her drawings for a few years now.’’
Brian McFeely, co-chairman of the 2023 Canada Winter Games host society, said the response from across the province to the mascot design contest was astounding.
“It is absolutely tremendous when you compare it with past Games where we received in the 300 to 400 bracket,’’ McFeely said, comparing it to the 1,200 entries received this time. “Hats off to our communications team that got the word out there and hats off to the schools across the province who really embraced the concept.’’
McFeely said Myla’s design will go to a professional designer, who will help turn it into an actual mascot. Myla’s design will also be turned into merchandise, such as gloves, pins and T-shirts.
The official mascot will be unveiled in October when the host society marks 500 days to the beginning of the Games.
After 16 incredible days, the 29th edition of the Canada Games will officially conclude tonight with the Closing Ceremony from Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown at 7:30 PM AST.
There have been records smashed and countless debuts made by athletes here at the 2023 Canada Games, but yesterday, history was made when female boxing got underway on P.E.I.
Curling in Canada is rich in history, with the first curling club established in Montreal in 1807. This morning, 216 years later, another first in Canadian curling history took place as Mixed Doubles Curling made its Canada Games debut at the Montague Curling Club.
Women’s hockey at the Canada Games returns to P.E.I. where it made its original debut in 1991. In the tournaments since then, numerous Canadian hockey idols have laced up and begun their glorious careers at the Canada Games.
In just six contests this Winter Games, McKenna recorded 29 points including 14 goals, smashing a Canada Games record that stood for 28 years. The previous record for points in a tournament was 27, set by Francois Methot of Quebec in 1995 and tied by Kelsey Tessier of New Brunswick in 2007.
With the PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games officially underway, the Canada Games Council (CGC) and the 2023 Host Society are thrilled to celebrate the nation’s top young athletes and their families and friends with the launch of Canada Games House, presented by Canadian Tire.
Let the Games begin! Reminiscent of an Island kitchen party, the athletes were all smiles and a capacity crowd was brought to its feet during the Opening Ceremony of the PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games.
After many years of planning, the town of North Rustico reached a historic milestone today with the opening of Eliyahu Wellness Centre at Canada Games Place.
The PEI 2023 Canada Winter Games Host Society is ready to give a warm Maritime welcome to over 3,600 athletes, managers and coaches as they descend on PEI’s friendly shores for the 29th edition of the Canada Games.
It’s only fitting that boxing occurred during Week Two of this year’s Canada Winter Games, coinciding with Women’s History Month, which runs the month of March.
Team Alberta’s figure skater, Lia Cho, is this year’s youngest athlete at Canada Winter Games. She is only 10 years old and stands just over four rulers high.
For the first time in Canada Games history, medals will be awarded in mixed doubles curling. The event made its historic debut this week at the Montague Curling Club.
On day 13 of the 2023 Canada Winter Games, the host province, Prince Edward Island, landed on the podium for the first time. Lucas Macdonald of Stratford, claimed the silver medal in the Men’s +81 kg Judo division Thursday afternoon.
Chants of “Novaaa Scotiaaa” echoed throughout Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre in Charlottetown as proud fans watched Ritu Shah and Thomas Ashton add two silver medals to Team Nova Scotia’s growing medal count.
When people speak of the legacy of the 2023 Canada Winter Games the conversation usually focuses on two things, the lifelong memories people take away from the Games and the new sports facilities the Games leave behind.
At the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alberta’s Evelyn Beaton took home a gold medal for the individual female - 44 kg Judo division.
Sport and competition often draw metaphoric comparisons to life. For PEI’s Crawford family, it’s remarkable how a sport with a tiny target has brought life’s bigger picture into clear view.Sport and competition often draw metaphoric comparisons to life. For PEI’s Crawford family, it’s remarkable how a sport with a tiny target has brought life’s bigger picture into clear view.
Sporting bright green and blue uniforms, the PEI 2023 volunteers are a dedicated and committed group, intent on making sure the Games provide the best possible experience for the young athletes representing their respective provinces and territories.