The 2025 Canada Games are set to leave a lasting impact on the sporting community in Newfoundland and Labrador, with one of the most exciting legacy projects being the new beach volleyball courts in the Town of Paradise. These four permanent courts, built to international standards, will not only serve as a premier competition venue during the Games but also as a catalyst for the continued growth of beach volleyball in the province afterward.

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For decades, beach volleyball in Newfoundland and Labrador has seen a slow growth in interest due to a lack of permanent facilities. That is all about to change. The new courts in Paradise will provide a dedicated home for beach volleyball, allowing for structured programming, training opportunities, and high-level competition.

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"We know what's going to happen," said Finton Gaudette, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Volleyball Association ( NLVA),  and one of the key figures behind the project. "We're going to see an explosion of beach volleyball in the Avalon, especially in the Greater St. John’s Metro area."
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The 2025 Canada Games will be Gaudette’s fifth time coaching at a Canada Games for beach volleyball. On top of all that, he also sits on the committee that is helping bring the legacy courts to life in Paradise. Gaudette also represents Canada as a court manager at international events where he uses his expertise to help build, maintain, and keep courts up to standard throughout the competition.

Gaudette notes the new beach volleyball courts extend beyond just local growth, they are being built with an eye toward the future, aiming to bring high-caliber competition to NL.

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"We've reached out to a promoter of beach volleyball events in Atlantic Canada, and we're hoping to get Paradise on what's called the Futures Tour," he explained. This tour acts as a stepping stone for international athletes looking to earn points and qualify for larger Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) events. Hosting a Futures event would mean that Paradise could regularly welcome top-tier talent from across the globe, elevating the province’s international profile and providing some incredible entertainment for the community.

Beyond competition, these courts will play a crucial role in developing athletes and coaches. The NLVA is already investing in the future by hiring a staff member dedicated to running a local beach volleyball program in Paradise.

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"This person will also work as a provincial liaison to host Beach Provincial Championships. The Paradise courts will now become home to our summer provincial team program as well as the main training grounds for our future Canada Games teams."2

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For athletes, the presence of high-quality beach volleyball facilities provides new development opportunities.

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"You can't hide weak skills in beach volleyball," he explained. "Players who train on the sand develop strong all-around abilities, exceptional cue reading, and decision-making skills. It will only help grow both our indoor and beach volleyball programs in Newfoundland and Labrador."

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From a municipal perspective, the investment made by the Town of Paradise is an investment in the future of sport in the province.

"I’m so happy that Paradise decided to do this properly and leave a legacy for years and decades to come," he added.

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“We are thrilled to be a Community Partner for the 2025 Canada Games! Paradise has always been an active, sports-driven community, and we’re proud to lead the way in growing beach volleyball in our province,” said Paradise Mayor Dan Bobbett. “With our investment in creating legacy courts, we are embracing an emerging sport and giving it a true home in our province. These volleyball courts will support athletes at every level, whether they’re refining their skills for national competitions, training for international events, or simply enjoying the love of the game. The momentum from the Canada Games won’t end when the competition ends, it will last for years to come and we’re proud Paradise will be a part of that legacy.”

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As the 2025 Canada Games approach, the excitement surrounding these courts is growing. More than just a venue, they represent a long-term commitment to the sport and the community, ensuring that the momentum built during the Games will carry forward.