Rielle Bonne and Victor Lai to Lead Team Canada as Flag Bearers at Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games

Paraguay’s vibrant capital, Asunción, is gearing up to host the inaugural Junior Pan American Games in 2025, and Team Canada is primed to shine on this continental stage. In a recent announcement the Canadian Olympic Committee named trampoline star Rielle Bonne and badminton ace Victor Lai the flag bearers for Canada’s vibrant contingent during the Opening Ceremony. The Games, scheduled for August 9 to 23, 2025, will welcome over 4,000 young competitors from 41 nations, all contesting 28 sports. Beyond the medals and records, this historic event will spotlight the athletes’ exceptional skills and celebrate their inspiring leadership in competition and community alike.

Rielle Bonne: A Rising Star in Trampoline Gymnastics

Rielle Bonne’s journey to becoming one of Team Canada’s flag bearers is nothing short of inspiring. At the age of 14, Bonne transitioned from artistic gymnastics to trampoline gymnastics after eight years in the former discipline. Her breakthrough moment came at the 2023 Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island, where she earned a bronze medal in women’s individual trampoline. Bonne, who balances her athletic career with coaching gymnastics and pursuing a medical esthetics program at Humber College, continued her success by claiming a bronze medal at the 2023 World Age Group Championships in Birmingham, England, in the 17–21 category. She then went on to secure another bronze at the 2024 Senior Pan American Championships in Lima, while also helping Canada win silver in the team trampoline event.

Being selected as a flag bearer holds great significance for Bonne, as she views this role as a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her unwavering commitment to both her sport and her community makes her an exemplary leader for Team Canada, and she is excited to represent her country at such an important event. Bonne’s journey exemplifies the values of perseverance, excellence, and leadership, and she is poised to inspire her fellow athletes as they embark on this international competition.

Victor Lai: A Breakout Star in Badminton

Victor Lai has had an extraordinary rise in the world of badminton, and his selection as a flag bearer for the Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games is a reflection of his incredible season in 2025. Lai achieved a career milestone by winning the men’s singles title at the 2025 Pan American Championships in April. Later that year, he was named one of Canada’s flag bearers for the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Summer World University Games. His remarkable performance at the 2025 YONEX Canada Open, where he won silver, and his semifinal upset at the 2025 BWF World Tour event helped solidify his status as one of Canada’s most promising badminton players.

Lai’s impressive record of winning the national championship twice shows just how good he really is, but it’s his sportsmanship that truly sets him apart as the perfect Team Canada ambassador. In addition to his on-court success, he is now in his third year of studying health at York University. In 2023, he earned the title of OUA Men’s Badminton Rookie of the Year and also brought home the York Male Rookie of the Year award. When he marches in as the flag bearer, Lai will not just carry the flag—he will carry the spirit of our country, blending his athletic talent with the qualities of a true leader as Team Canada steps into the Games.

Team Canada’s Strong Representation at Asunción 2025

The upcoming Junior Pan American Games will feature 157 athletes from Canada, marking an increase from the 31 athletes who represented the country at the inaugural Junior Pan American Games in Cali in 2021. The Canadian team will compete in 22 sports, with athletes aged 13 to 23 participating in a range of disciplines. The Games in Asunción are a significant opportunity for young athletes to gain international competition experience, develop their skills, and prepare for future Olympic and Pan American Games.

The games will include new sports and disciplines such as BMX freestyle, field hockey, golf, and water skiing, offering fresh opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents. The experience gained at Asunción 2025 will undoubtedly contribute to the athletes’ development as they progress in their sports careers, with some even earning direct qualification for the Lima 2027 Pan American Games by winning gold.

Canada’s Medals in Past Junior Pan Am Games

Team Canada’s performance at the inaugural Junior Pan American Games in 2021 was impressive, securing 10 medals, including 4 golds, 1 silver, and 5 bronzes. Notably, four athletes who competed in Cali 2021 went on to represent Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, including Jeremy Hazin (Table Tennis), Josipa Kafadar (Taekwondo), Aurélie Tran (Artistic Gymnastics), and Brian Yang (Badminton). This history of success serves as a testament to the growing importance of the Junior Pan American Games in athletes’ development and progression toward the highest levels of international sport.

Looking Ahead: The Legacy of Asunción 2025

The Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games will provide young athletes with invaluable exposure to the international stage and the chance to compete against some of the best in the Americas. As the Games continue to grow in significance, the event serves as an essential stepping stone for athletes aiming for future international competitions, including the Pan American Games and the Olympic Games.

With Rielle Bonne and Victor Lai leading the charge as flag bearers, Team Canada enters Asunción 2025 with an outstanding group of athletes who are ready to make their mark. Their leadership both on the field and within the community will be crucial as they represent Canada on the world stage.

Conclusion

The Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games are shaping up to be a thrilling moment for young athletes from every corner of the Americas. Team Canada is ready to compete and make every fan proud. Rielle Bonne and Victor Lai will carry the Canadian flag, showcasing the pride, dedication, and skill every athlete in our delegation has worked for. As the events start, Canada’s young talents will be the athletes to watch, chasing medals and helping to build the legacy of tomorrow’s Olympic and Pan American heroes.

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