Ottawa - The Canada Games Council (CGC) is pleased to announce that box lacrosse has been added to the sport program for the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and furthermore, that the sport will become a fixture at the Canada Summer Games starting in 2029 as per the approved Sport Selection Policy.
The sport most recently starred at the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games after it was added as a pilot program with a vision to increase Indigenous participation in the Games. The men’s competition returned to the Canada Games for the first time in 37 years, while women’s box lacrosse made a resounding first impression in its Canada Games debut.
Following a thorough evaluation of the pilot program, Federal and Provincial/Territorial Governments unanimously approved the addition of male and female box lacrosse to the existing sport program for 2025, along with a commitment of additional funding support. Lacrosse will be included within the Canada Summer Games program thereafter.
The St. John’s 2025 Canada Summer Games run August 8-24, 2025.
“We are pleased that our national summer sport will be part of the Canada Games moving forward. The addition of this sport is a major milestone for Indigenous sport development and for our cultural heritage. It is also an important step towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Increased Indigenous participation at the most recent summer Games shows the power that sport has in supporting inclusion and cultural vitality.”
“We saw first-hand in Niagara last summer just how much excitement box lacrosse sparked at the Canada Games - the atmosphere was electrifying. As Canada’s national summer sport and a game with strong Indigenous roots, we are thrilled to officially add lacrosse to the Canada Games as we strive to reflect Canada’s diversity through the power of sport. I’d like to thank our partners for their thorough evaluation of the pilot program and the commitment of our government partners to make this a reality.
“Lacrosse was an ideal pilot and a step towards reconciliation through sport. By including this traditional Indigenous game, the Canada Games represented a fuller range of sports played in the country. Lacrosse is more than a ‘sport’ to Indigenous people, not only was it a means of entertainment but traditionally a form of conflict resolution and healing. The Aboriginal Sport Circle applauds the Canada Games Council and Niagara 2022 on the success of Lacrosse and looks forward to building on these successes at the Canada Games in 2025. The ASC looks to continue to work with them - and all national and provincial sporting organizations - on furthering the initiative of including Indigenous traditional games. When done right, they benefit everyone: Canada’s First Peoples and all Canadians.”
“Lacrosse Canada and our members are thrilled that lacrosse will be included in the sport program for 2025 and beyond. We are grateful for our stakeholders and the Canada Games committee who have been working tirelessly towards this outcome. This past summer we saw a dynamic group of athletes, coaches, and staff come together for two weeks of high-quality, thrilling lacrosse. From the first women’s goal scored in Canada Games history, to the final whistle in a captivating men’s gold medal game, Niagara 2022 was an incredible opportunity for a generation of athletes. We look forward to creating more memories with Canada Games, and furthering the growth of Canada’s national summer sport.”
“The 2025 Host Society values the diversity of the Canada Games. The inclusion of lacrosse in the 2022 Canada Games sparked an excitement and energy that could be felt throughout the whole Games. We are thrilled to introduce and welcome back lacrosse, Canada's summer sport, to our province and community in 2025.”
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About the Canada Games Council
The Canada Games Council, a private, non-profit organization, is the governing body for the Canada Games. Held once every two years, alternating between winter and summer, the Canada Games represent the highest level of national competition for up and coming Canadian athletes. The Games have been hosted in every province at least once since their inception in Quebec City during Canada’s Centennial in 1967. The Games are proud of their contribution to Canada’s sport development system, in addition to their lasting legacy of sport facilities, community pride and national unity. The organization of the Canada Games is made possible through the tireless dedication of local Host Societies and the contribution and support of the federal, provincial/territorial and host municipal governments.
The office is located in Ottawa, Ontario, on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinabek People.
For more information, visit canadagames.ca.
Media Contacts
Courtney Pollock
Senior Advisor, Communications & Digital Media
Canada Games Council
cpollock@canadagames.ca