ANTIGONISH: The Town of Antigonish has approved funding for two significant sporting events scheduled to take place in the area.
At a special council meeting held on Feb. 25, the town allocated $100,000 to support StFX Univeristy’s bid for the 2030 Special Olympics National Summer Games and $10,000 to fund two major football showcases, the 2025 U16 Eastern Regional Challenge and the 2025 U18 Canada Cup, which are set to take place later this summer at St. Francis Xavier University.
The Canada Cup is Football Canada’s national tackle football championship. It brings together provincial teams in the U-18 age category from across Canada to determine national football supremacy.
Football Nova Scotia is set to host the 2025 Football Canada Cup (FCC) from July 12 – 20, marking the tournament’s return to the Maritimes. This national competition will feature eight Under-18 (U18) teams representing British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia battling for the national championship.
While the Eastern Regional Challenge from July 14 – 19, will showcase the next generation of Canadian football talent. This regional competition brings together Under-16 (U16) teams from neighbouring provinces, providing young athletes and coaches with their first taste of tournament-style play in a supportive and competitive environment.
The U16 Eastern Regional Challenge serves as a key stepping stone for young athletes, fostering growth both on and off the field while celebrating the football culture of Nova Scotia.
Antigonish Mayor Sean Cameron emphasized that the football events will bring national recognition to the community, showcasing the best up-and-coming football players on a national stage, here in Antigonish.
Reflecting on the town’s success in hosting the 2018 Special Olympics National Summer Games, Cameron described it as a remarkable experience, as an estimated 3,000 spectators were on hand to watch, along with over 900 athletes, 290 coaches, officials and mission staff, along with over 600 volunteers.
Cameron highlighted the positive impact these events will have on the local economy, bringing people together, and showcasing Antigonish’s ability to host major national events.
Cameron also noted that on the national stage, Antigonish consistently exceeds expectations, and described the council’s decision to fund the events as “an easy one.”
Earlier this month, Antigonish County’s council also voted to support the local bid to host the 2030 Special Olympics National Summer Games, approving a financial contribution of $100,000, contingent upon the acceptance of the bid.