By Sam Cortes, Communications Coordinator
We’re excited to introduce you to our flag bearers at the Opening Ceremonies for the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games powered by Manitoba Hydro!
TEAM NORTH: Trenton Campbell – Volleyball
Trenton Campbell is all about sports. He’s a team player who always keeps things fair and fun, and encourages everyone to do their best. His sportsmanship always shines through whether he’s winning or losing.
Over the past few seasons, he’s been on a hot streak winning volleyball tournaments, and his hockey achievements are impressive, too! He’s been playing hockey since he was four, racking up a bunch of tournament wins, and even earned the role of team captain.
TEAM EAST: Kashten Harz – Baseball
Kashten Harz is a standout both on and off the baseball field. He’s known for his leadership and sportsmanship, always showing empathy and respect to everyone around him. Kash was honoured with the Check 3 Award at school, which recognizes students who go above and beyond for others.
On the diamond, he’s exceptional, and his character off the field is just as impressive. In 2023, he was part of the U13 Team Manitoba Baseball team and even took on umpiring for the first time this year.
TEAM SOUTH: Piper McCulloch – Soccer
Piper McCulloch is as dedicated as athletes come. She travels one and a half hours each way, twice a week, to attend training sessions with her team and has never missed a day of practice. Her hard work, focus, and energy put into refining her skill set is admirable as she often goes out to the local soccer field and train on her own, putting in hour-after-hour of solo training.
Piper also competes in athletics where she medaled in the hurdles and the 4 by 100 relay with her teammates. She also played basketball and badminton in school and served as a referee for the Portage Minor Soccer Association.
TEAM WINNIPEG BLUE: Larissa Benson – Cycling
Larissa Benson is a real standout in cycling and beyond. She not only attended every game and qualifying race, but also scored the second highest qualifying points overall.
Larissa’s dedication is clear; she’s always eager to learn and hone her skills. But her talents don’t stop there—she’s a six-time medallist in jiu-jitsu, with three silver and three bronze medals. She also clinched second place at the 2024 Mountain Bike Provincial Championships.
TEAM WINNIPEG BLUE: Levi Grant – Baseball
Levi Grant has many traits that make him the leader he is today. He constantly works his hardest on and off the field, striving not only to be a great player, but also an outstanding teammate. His dedication and commitment are evident in everything he does, always pushing himself and those around him to improve.
Levi was a member of the 2023 13U Provincial Team, where his leadership and hard work truly set him apart, making him a role model for his peers and an inspiration to his team.
TEAM WINNIPEG GOLD: Daynyel Dizon Basketball
Daynyel Dizon has demonstrated exceptional leadership on and off the basketball court. He is always the first to practice and the last to leave, consistently encouraging his teammates with a positive attitude and a smile.
In 2024, Daynyel was a provincial champion in basketball and was a finalist at volleyball provincials. When he’s not practicing, he volunteers his time to help younger players enjoy basketball and volleyball. He has also served as a Grade 6 Basketball assistant coach and spends his time volunteering with youth volleyball.
TEAM WEST: Aimee Steel – Soccer
Aimee is incredibly dedicated to soccer, never missing a practice and always ready to play her position well and adapt to whatever the coach needs. Aimee not only brings her A-game on the field, but also supports and uplifts her teammates, helping everyone play their best.
Over the past few years, her commitment to sport has been unwavering—she shows up to practices and events, even when she’s injured. Plus, she’s also a baseball player and will be volunteering for the Summer Games when she isn’t competing.
