New Brunswick athletes set off for Canada Games

New Brunswick is sending a contingent of 400 to the Canada Games, a 17-day athletic event that begins Friday in Winnipeg.

Many of the province's athletes, coaches, managers and mission staff gathered in Moncton on Thursday before setting out for the Manitoba capital, where the athletes will compete in the first week of the games. 

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Miriook St-Arnauld Hivon of Buctouche, who competes in track and field, said that with the Jeux de la Francophonie also taking place this year, her summer has been busy.

"It was in fact crazy," St-Arnauld Hivon said.

"Those kind of summers happen once in a lifetime, and I just embrace all the craziness it gets."

Ryan Thomas of North Tetagouche, who competes in steeplechase, said he's excited to take part in the "biggest competition I'll maybe ever do."

"It's not everyday I get to run in a big race with other steeple runners, and I'm really impatient to see it."

Sara-Eve Noel of Allardville, who throws the hammer and discus, said she's aiming for a personal best at the games, but the experience matters most.

"That's my first Canada Games, and it's going to be my last one too," Noel said. "Might as well enjoy it."

The Canada Games will continue until Aug. 13. The games include 16 sports, and this years edition marks the 50th anniversary of the competition.