Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, January 22, 2026.
President Olaf chaired the meeting.
Club Business
It was decided after lunch that the regular Thursday Rotary Lunch meeting on February 12th will be a social gathering at 12.30pm at the Blow Me Down Ski Club. Further details will be emailed to Rotarians
Guest Presenter
Olaf introduced the guest speaker Cassidy Mercer, Games Manager for the 2026 Summer Games to be hosted on the West Coast in August 2026. Cassie who has extensive experience in volunteer management and major event operations including Volunteer Coordinator for the 2025 Canada Games in St John’s, spoke about the plans for the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games to be held this coming summer in Corner Brook and Stephenville.
Cassie gave a vibrant and interesting presentation. She began by stating that The Legacy comes Home in 2026 as 50 years ago the first Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games were held on the West Coast of the province. The Newfoundland and Labrador Games is a premier sporting event in which 1600 athletes between ages 11 – 18 will take part in 9 different sports over the week-long event from Saturday August 8 – Saturday August 15. Corner Brook will be the host city.
Signs will soon be appearing around the city. The sports included will be Athletics (Track and Field), Ball Hockey, Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Rugby.
The event will be divided into two group August 8 – 11 and August 12 – 15 with 800 athletes taking part in in each group of sports. The athletes will be housed at Corner Brook Intermediate School and Corner Brook Regional High School.
This coming week the Volunteer Program is going to be introduced. Volunteers must be 16 years by July 2026 and be willing to commit 10 hours service
Cassie talked further about the value of volunteering and the experience gained from being a volunteer. Some of these benefits will include being part of history, having a volunteer uniform, attending a thank you event, building of skills and experience, as well as meeting new people plus giving back to the community and much more.
The Volunteer Program launch will take place at the Marina Redmond Centre, Corner Brook between 4 – 8pm on Thursday January 29th with the mascot Blaze in attendance.
Cassie went through the different committees that are working to make the Games successful and the types of sponsorship that is being requested. Stephenville will be hosting the athletics portion of the games.
Tickets will be going on sale later in the year for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies which will be special events held at the Civic Centre.
Cassie finished her presentation by answering several questions.
She was thanked by Olaf on behalf of Rotarians for her interesting and informative presentation.
Cassie noted August 8 – August 15 will a great time to be in Corner Brook, host city for the 50th Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games.