Photos from the 1969 Canada Summer Games in Halifax & Dartmouth, NS.

Photos from the 1969 Canada Summer Games in Halifax & Dartmouth, NS.

My family attended the opening ceremonies of the first Canada Summer Games in 1969. The event took place at St Mary’s University in Halifax. I took the attached photos of the athletes parade and the dignitaries. The flag is a souvenir I still have. It was the official Games logo. The paintings of Discus and jumping were done by my sister and I. They were on the construction fencing around a new hospital building being built. School children were given a panel with a Games sport name on it and asked to paint their idea of the particular sport. I believe there were prizes awarded for outstanding work.

I got my first camera in 1969 for my 12th Birthday. I took the attached photos of the athletes parade and the dignitaries. I was thrilled to see Canada’s Prime Minister (Pierre Elliott Trudeau). It was like seeing a movie star! We attended a number of events. I particularly recall Field Hockey and Lacrosse-two sports I had never seen before. They caught my interest and I went on to play both sports during my high school and university years. I remember the excitement around the Games and how special it was to be the host City. We were so excited to be part of the Games as spectators, and in events surrounding the games. I may also still have a poster from the 1969 Games. I just can’t put my hands on it at the moment.

Later in life, my daughter was a Canada Games Athlete. We travelled with other parents to the Games in Regina. I was a parent liaison for her soccer team. (That was also a wonderful and thrilling experience, but a different story!)

Sheila Fougere

All photos, except photo of the flag were taken in the summer of 1969.

Halifax, NS