The Winter Olympics have come to a close, but several local youth athletes are preparing for their own moment on the big stage at the upcoming Manitoba Games. Held every two years and alternating between summer and winter competitions, the Games will take place this year in Thompson from March 1–7. More than 1,500 competitors from across Manitoba will take part, including more than 150 athletes representing Team South in 12 sports.

While Thompson will be bustling with competitors, families, coaches, and volunteers, many of these athletes’ stories began close to home, on backyard rinks and in local recreation centres.

For 12-year-old Carter Sawatzky, goalie for the Eastman Selects AA, that journey began in Timbits at age four. After a few seasons with the Niverville Clippers, he had the opportunity to try net and the position quickly proved to be the right fit.

“He started off as a player,” says his mom, Leanne. “I wasn’t sure if hockey was going to stick. That was, until he got his turn in net.”

Sawatzky quickly found his rhythm as a goaltender, earning the confidence of his coaches and gaining valuable experience. In the first game of the season against the Kenora Thistles, he faced 41 shots and allowed only one goal. He attributes this success to staying mentally locked in.

“Before a game I get really focused,” says Sawatzky. “I play my game and if I let in a goal, I don’t get discouraged. I just stay focused and keep playing, just keep going no matter what happens.”

Aside from the intense competition, Sawatzky looks forward to the full Manitoba Games environment.

“I’m excited to have this experience with my friends,” says Sawatzky. “And to sleep in a school. I also think the eight-hour bus ride will be fun.”

 In the coming months, he will play for the Pilot Mound Buffaloes AAA team. He has also been selected to compete in the all-star game on March 28, which also happens to be his thirteenth birthday.

Thirteen-year-old Kenzie Cantlon shares a similar enthusiasm for both the Manitoba Games and the atmosphere that surrounds it.

Having first learned to skate on a frozen pond at three years old, Cantlon has spent years building her game, balancing hard work with enjoyment along the way.

“You have to work hard,” says Cantlon. “Put in the time and effort and everything else will come to you.”

Cantlon is especially looking forward to the opportunity to experience an Olympic-style village alongside her teammates.

In ringette, the excitement carries a similar energy. For 12-year-old Savanah Buzan, a ringette player with the Eastman Heat A, the Manitoba Games brings together many of the things she loves most about her sport.

“I love the competitiveness in ringette,” says Buzan. “The friendships you make along the way and travelling to compete in tournaments.”

Her favourite memories extend beyond the minutes played on the ice. One in particular stands out: her first plane ride for a trip to Calgary to compete in the Esso ringette tournament, an opportunity she says she’ll never forget and one that she credits in part to the support of her coaches.

“I am proud of my coaches for pushing me along the way to make me stronger,” she adds.

Looking ahead at the Manitoba Games in particular, Buzan welcomes the competition.

“I am most excited to represent Team South and compete against other top athletes. I can’t wait to put on our team clothing and walk with my team in opening ceremonies.”

Beyond the ice, Team South will also be well represented on the mat, as four local athletes prepare to compete in wrestling.

Following strong performances at a jiujitsu tournament in Saskatchewan in October 2025, and at a WAMMA-hosted tournament in Niverville in December, Noah Fast, Lillyanne Reuter, and Benjamin Reuter secured their qualification for the Games, alongside 13-year-old Ryan Unrau.

Benjamin Reuter shared that the competition presents both challenge and opportunity.

“I think it’s going to be hard because I know there are some good wrestlers that I’m going to have to go against,” Benjamin says. “But I feel like I’ve been training well and know what I’m going to do, even though I’m in the younger half of the competitors.”

Having his dad, Jens Reuter, as his coach has given him more confidence going into the competition. Jens believes that his son’s strength lies in his persistence.

“Ben is a very good ground wrestler,” says Jens. “He can pin people from anywhere. He’s shown that no matter what the score is, he keeps going.”

Lillyanne Reuter, who has competed at this level before, is equally excited about the opportunity, noting that she is familiar with many of the competitors.

“I’m excited. I think it’s going to be a great event,” she says. “I may have to wrestle against one of my training partners in Winnipeg, so that’s really cool.”

For families at home, the Manitoba Games represent more than medals. The Games reflect years of early morning practices, commitment, resilience, and the pride of watching local youth earn their place on a provincial stage.