Gavin Noble

For Gavin Noble, the road to para sport wasn’t one he expected. Growing up in Middle Arm, a small community near Baie Verte, Newfoundland and Labrador, Gavin embraced every sport he could. With a K–12 school of just 110 students, playing volleyball, ball hockey, and any other sport offered was second nature. But it wasn’t until he was working a summer job with the Para Sport Newfoundland and Labrador program that he was introduced to the world of para athletics.

“One day, one of the coaches suggested I try throwing shot put and discus, just for fun,” Gavin recalls. “I’d never done it before, but I thought, why not? A couple of weeks later, I was competing in trials and ended up qualifying for Team Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Although he qualified to compete in the 2017 Canada Games in Winnipeg, circumstances prevented him from attending. Looking back, he admits missing the opportunity stung. “I checked the distances from that year, and I would have medaled in both events. That one stung,” he says.

After completing a degree in kinesiology and a master’s in physiotherapy, he continued training as an athlete, all while balancing the demands of a career at the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s. “This will be my last year competing as an athlete,” he says, “and to be able to do it at home, in Newfoundland and Labrador, feels like everything has come full circle.”

Gavin is particularly excited about competing at the state-of-the-art venues being developed for the 2025 Canada Games. “I’ve seen the Fortis Canada Games Complex from the hospital where I work. It’s an incredible facility and will open so many doors for athletes here,” he says.

Gavin’s experiences have also shaped his views on inclusivity in sport. As someone with cerebral palsy, he recognizes both the barriers and the opportunities para sports can offer. “I was lucky growing up—I was able to participate in sports with everyone else. But not everyone has that chance, especially in rural areas where access to programs is limited,” he explains.

Through his work and his personal advocacy, Gavin hopes to inspire other athletes with disabilities to explore para sports. “There’s a sport out there for everyone. It’s just about making people aware of the opportunities,” he says. He also believes the integrated format of the Canada Games, where para and non-para events are held together, plays an important role in promoting inclusivity. “Someone might come to watch a friend compete and see a para event for the first time. That exposure can change perceptions.”

As for the future, Gavin envisions staying connected to the para sport world as an ambassador and advocate. His dream is to see greater access to pediatric rehabilitation services across Newfoundland and Labrador, ensuring that families in rural areas don’t have to make long and costly trips to access care. “Inclusivity isn’t just about sport; it’s about every aspect of life,” he says.

To athletes with disabilities considering para sport, Gavin offers this advice: “Give it a try. You never know what you’re capable of until you do. With the right dedication and support, the possibilities are endless.”

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Nathan Luscombe 

For Nathan Luscombe, swimming is more than just a sport—it’s been a defining part of his life for over a decade. Growing up in Grand Falls-Windsor, Nathan was introduced to swimming at age 10, when his mother sought out low-impact activities to accommodate his scoliosis. What started as a practical choice quickly became a passion, eventually leading Nathan into the world of para swimming.

“My best friend’s mom was running a summer swim program and invited us to join,” Nathan recalls. “I enjoyed it right away, but there were challenges. Some of the technical aspects were tricky for me at first, but my mom did the research to help me find resources and get classified as a para swimmer. That opened the door to competitive swimming.”

After training with the Gander Lakers and eventually moving to St. John’s and training full-time, he earned a place on Team Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2022 Canada Games in Niagara. 

“I’ll never forget that first day,” Nathan says. “I went into my 400m freestyle thinking, ‘This is a special opportunity.’ I dropped 13 seconds off my personal best—something I’d never imagined was possible. The energy of the crowd and the excitement of representing Newfoundland and Labrador pushed me to perform at my best.”

Nathan’s medal-winning performance in Niagara made history as the first for Team NL at those Games, earning him messages of support and recognition from across the province. Now, he’s channeling that momentum as he prepares for the 2025 Canada Games, which will take place in his home province.

“Competing at home will be a completely different experience,” Nathan shares. “Having friends, family, and so many people from Newfoundland and Labrador in the stands cheering us on is something I’m really looking forward to. My goal is to give my best performance and hopefully earn a spot on the podium.”

For Nathan, the Canada Games represent more than just competition. He credits the experience with building lasting friendships and providing opportunities to connect with athletes from across the country. “Some of my closest friends are people I’ve met through swimming and the Games. The camaraderie, the shared experiences, and the sense of community are things that make the Games so unique,” he explains.

Nathan also reflects on the impact of the Games on para sport in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Being part of something as big as the Canada Games shines a spotlight on para sports. It shows younger athletes what’s possible and creates opportunities for them to get involved,” he says. “I was lucky to find swimming when I did, but I hope the Games will inspire others to explore their potential in sports.”

As he prepares for the 2025 Games, he encourages first time Games participants to make the most of every moment. 

“Train hard, support your teammates, and take the time to connect with athletes from other provinces. The friendships and experiences you gain will stay with you for a lifetime.”

Gavin Baggs

Sports have always been more than just an activity for Gavin Baggs, a para-athlete from Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador. Competing in both swimming and para track, Gavin is no stranger to the Canada Games, having already represented his province three times. With the 2025 Games set to take place on home soil, he’s excited for what these Games will bring.

Gavin’s entry into swimming came almost by chance. “I got into swimming because my parents thought it would help with my back,” he shares. “But once I started, I realized I was pretty good at it, and before long, I was competing.” His story with para track began more recently, sparked by someone recognizing his potential. “It was a sport I started just a few years ago, and after trying it out, I’ve been competing ever since.”

His athletic versatility is matched by his determination, and it’s led him to some incredible opportunities. Gavin’s first taste of the Canada Games came in 2019 when he was just 11 years old and competed in wheelchair basketball. He followed it up in 2022 at the Niagara Games, participating in swimming. Then in 2023 at the Games in Prince Edward Island he competed in wheelchair basketball again. 

Looking ahead to 2025, Gavin is preparing to compete in his fourth Canada Games this time in both swimming and track events. He’s particularly motivated by the chance to represent Newfoundland and Labrador in front of a home crowd. 

“Having the Games in Newfoundland makes it even more special for me,” he explains. “It adds a bit of pressure, knowing that friends, family, and the community will be watching, but it’s also a huge motivator. I’ve been training harder than ever—spending more time in the gym, pool, and on the track—because I want to perform my best.”

One unique aspect of the Canada Games that resonates deeply with Gavin is the integration of para and able-bodied events. Unlike many national and international competitions where para events are held separately, the Canada Games bring all athletes together. 

“It means a lot,” Gavin says. “Para athletes don’t always get the same recognition as able-bodied athletes, so competing side-by-side helps to bridge that gap. It shows that we’re all just athletes doing what we love.”

For those considering entering para sports, Gavin offers straightforward advice. “Just try it,” he encourages. “If you see a sport that interests you, there’s no harm in giving it a go. You might find something you love. I’m currently competing in four different para sports, so there are plenty of options out there. And there’s nothing quite like the feeling of competing in a sport you’re passionate about.”

Representing Newfoundland and Labrador is a source of pride for Gavin. “It’s incredible to put on the team colors and compete not just for myself but for my family, friends, and province,” he says. “It’s always a privilege, and with the Games being here in 2025, it’ll be even more meaningful.”

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