Canada Winter Games athletes play their first games in P.E.I.

Sunday was the first day of competition at the Canada Winter Games after a dazzling kick-off Saturday night.

Young athletes from across the country received an island welcome in Charlottetown.

The Canada Games torch, which travelled from Ottawa and across the island, made its second last appearance.

The torch ended its journey on the Charlottetown waterfront Sunday, at the lighting of Canada Games cauldron.

“That’s to represent the continuous inspiration of all the athletes,” said Sholto Scruton, designer of the Canada Games cauldron.

“How they work incredibly hard, but once they overcome that struggle, they show others they can overcome that struggle as well."

Harrison Woodworth and Joanna Raj, who are both 12 years old, are two of the youngest players at the Canada Winter Games, competing for Team New Brunswick.

“It’s not how they look, it’s how much skill they have, so you read their skill and you find out their weaknesses,” said Raj.

The team has two more players, ages 12 and 11. 

Not only are the team’s members some of the youngest at the games, they’re the first to play table tennis for New Brunswick in 20 years.

Though they didn’t win the game, the opportunity to play was an incredible experience for the young athletes.

“It’s just crazy four people who are under 15 are going to the Canada Games,” said Woodworth.

The first medal ceremonies will take place Sunday night.