Canada has an extensive list of professional sports in Canada. Here are some interesting facts about the history of sports in the country.
The First Baseball Game Took Place in Canada
Abner Doubleday from the United States is the founder of the baseball we know today. However, the first recorded baseball game in North America was staged in Beachville, Ontario.
The Oldest Continuously Run Horse Race in North America
The Queen’s Plate is the oldest horse race event in North America since it was first organized in 1860. The competition is held annually in July at Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack. Reigning monarchs attended the race five times in its history.
Ontario Hosted the First Commonwealth Games
In 1930, Hamilton, Ontario, was the venue for the British Empire Games, which eventually became known as the Commonwealth Games. Nations from all over the world, such as Australia, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, England, Bermuda, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and Wales, participate in this tournament.
Canadian Hockey Takes the Gold Medal at The Olympics
The Canadian ice hockey team, Winnipeg Falcons, competed in the 1920 Olympic Games hosted in Antwerp, Belgium. The Winnipeg Falcons were the first team to win a gold medal in ice hockey in the tournament.
Canada Dominated Women’s Ice Hockey
Canadian women’s hockey teams won the first eight World Hockey Championship tournaments. The Americans were defeated in each championship game they played against the Canadian women’s team, from the tournament in Ottawa in 1990 to the Halifax event in 2004.
Babe Ruth Launched His Career in Toronto
On September 5, 1914, one of the greatest legends to ever grace the game of baseball, Babe Ruth, hit his first professional home run in Toronto. The 19-year-old would go on to entertain millions of fans in the years to come.
The Oldest Golf Club in North America
The Royal Montreal Golf Club Is the longest-running golf club in North America. It was first established way back in 1873. The nine holes on Fletcher’s Field have also played host to numerous golf competitions and events.
Canadians love to watch sports live or in their favourite sports bar. There are numerous clubs and organizations that promote sports and cultural activities in the country. Find out more interesting facts about Canadian sports online.