Leo Zheng has won Team Saskatchewan's first gold medal. (Provided Photo/Team Sask)

By BattlefordsNOW Staff

Big Moment

Team Sask. claims first medals and first gold at 2025 Canada Summer Games

Aug 12, 2025 | 4:38 PM

Team Saskatchewan has officially entered the medal count at the 2025 Canada Summer Games, with standout performances from two Reginians, Baer Robertson and Leo Zheng, bringing home the province’s first medals, including its first gold.

Early Tuesday morning at Quidi Vidi Lake, 18-year-old Baer Robertson paddled to a bronze medal finish in the Canoe Kayak C-1 1000m with a time of 5:31.775. It marked Saskatchewan’s first medal of the Games. A nine-year veteran of the sport and member of the Wascana Racing and Canoe Club, Robertson’s achievement was a family affair, his mother Devri is coaching the Canoe Kayak team, his father David is officiating, and siblings Axa and Sabe are also competing in the sport.

Later in the day, Team Sask.’s momentum soared thanks to Leo Zheng, who delivered a record-breaking swim and the team’s first gold medal of the Games. Zheng captured gold in the 100m Backstroke Para Swimming (S6-14) event, racking up 823 points in a performance that set a new Canada Games record his second of the day.

“I went there, I prepared all day, I’ve been thinking about it… It was really close,” said Zheng moments after the win. “Me and the team, we were just waiting and waiting. It felt great. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment. Like, bang – we’re here, we’re on the board, we’re here to race and compete.”

Now a two-time Canada Games athlete, the Moose Jaw Flying Fins swimmer reflected on what it means to represent his province. “There’s not much like this that compares to this experience. When you’re here and representing your province, it feels amazing.”

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Competition was briefly overshadowed by a developing wildfire situation in nearby Paradise, NL, affecting several venues. As a result, beach volleyball and sailing were postponed for the day, while soccer was moved from Conception Bay to the Fortis Centre. Lacrosse games originally scheduled in Paradise were shifted to Barnes Arena in St. John’s.

“There was a fire that broke out around the Patty Ponds area, which is near the site of a couple of our venues,” confirmed Team Sask’s Chef de Mission Greg Perreaux. “The host society has been working well with the Provincial Emergency Operations Center, the city of St. John’s, the towns of Paradise and Conception Bay South, and the national sport organizations. Safety of the athletes is top of mind, we fully support the changes being made.”

Highlights from Monday

Team Sask. got off to a fast start across multiple disciplines:

In female box lacrosse, Regina’s Sami Riou, who made history in 2022 scoring the first-ever Canada Games goal for the sport, helped spark a 3-3 comeback tie against Manitoba, scoring with just 2.7 seconds left on the clock.

In rugby sevens, the women’s team earned their first win of the Games with a 17-10 victory over Prince Edward Island. Team Sask. mission staffer Kelsi Hilderman praised the team’s spirit:

Both men’s and women’s basketball teams opened against Nunavut, who are making their Canada Games basketball debut. The men won 123-34, evening their record at 1-1. The women dominated with an 88-13 win and remain undefeated heading into Wednesday’s matchup against Manitoba.

Men’s baseball continued pool play with a 10-5 win over Quebec, powered by pitcher Mitchel Rauckman. They faced Ontario in a night game and will wrap up pool play Tuesday against B.C.

Beach volleyball saw mixed results as the men’s team defeated Nova Scotia 2-0, then lost to Alberta. The women’s team dropped a close morning match but came back in the afternoon with a thrilling three-set win over Manitoba.

In cycling (road), tough weather and terrain challenged riders. Maria McCartney (Saskatoon) and Isaac McMurray (Regina) finished 20th and 19th, respectively.

Tennis had a dominant 5-1 win over New Brunswick and will face undefeated Nova Scotia Tuesday.

In women’s softball, Team Sask. split their games, winning 8-3 against Nova Scotia, then falling 3-0 to B.C.

Swimming saw participation from a wide range of Saskatchewan athletes, including strong showings from para-athletes Leo Zheng and Ali Signe Diehl, both placing seventh in the 200m/400m freestyle.

Sailing kicked off at the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club with Daniel Laverty finishing fourth in both men’s ILCA single-handed races.

To view the full schedule for Team Sask, visit the 2025 Canada Summer Games Website.

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Cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com