Latest news with #TheAmazingRaceCanada
CTV News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Indigenous teams still in it to win it on Amazing Race Canada
The race is on! From hockey shootouts and chiseling ice sculptures, to roping tests and cracking riddles, the 11 teams on the 11th season of The Amazing Race Canada 2025 have been faced with many challenges—and it's just the beginning. On July 8, the series kicked off in Edmonton at the Commonwealth Stadium where the 2024 race winners were crowned. Three of the teams are comprised of six Indigenous people who come from communities across Canada. 'I think over the course of the series, we've seen more and more Indigenous teams on the show,' said Mark Lysakowski, co-chief content officer and executive producer. 'I think when the community sees 'Oh, I can go on the show and do well,' you think 'this can be for me'.' Grace Dove and Joe Syme are siblings from Prince George, BC, who are not afraid of being on screen. Grace has received the Canadian Screen Award nomination as an actress and has filled roles on The Revenant, Alaska Daily and How it Ends. amazing race canada Joe Syme and Grace Dove are siblings from Prince George, B.C., competing in season 11 of The Amazing Race Canada. (The Amazing Race Canada) Married couple Skylene and Blair Gladue, also known as 'Superfan Magoo' from Edmonton, hope their time on the show inspires Indigenous people by demonstrating strength, joy and perseverance despite being faced with difficulties. Superfan Magoo Amazing Race promo Skylene and Blair Gladue, also known as Superfan Magoo, on Season 11 of Amazing Race Canada. (Credit: Amazing Race Canada) The last Indigenous team, known as the Rebeccas, consists of Rebecca Merasty from Meadow Lake, Sask., and Rebecca Watt from Wrigley, N.W.T. The best friend duo are currently roommates in Vancouver. Their determination to win the race pays tribute to those who have played a pivotal role in shaping them into the woman they've become, they say. 'We were both raised in smaller communities and raised in the bush. I think, just that in itself, shaped us to who we are today,' said Watt. 'We're both very strong and very resilient individuals that honestly aren't scared of anything.' Watt describes Merasty as the more athletic one, but she too enjoys an active lifestyle with regular activities. 'Rebecca is more of an athlete than I am,' said Watt. 'I like to hike. I play whatever sports and do anything to get my body moving.' But no matter who is more athletic, the duo has been killing it. Amazing Race - The Rebeccas Best friends and roommates, Rebecca Merasty and Rebecca Watt, are competing on Season 11 of the Amazing Race Canada. 'The experience overall, honestly, is a once in a lifetime. I'm so grateful for the opportunity and to be able to do the entire time with my best friend,' Watt said. 'We had the best time. I couldn't have asked for a better person.' Each and every morning, the Rebeccas pray 'for a good day.' 'And to thank the Creator and (ask for the) backing of our ancestors and everybody that came before us. You know, to just push us through and get us to that next level, that next leg,' Watt explained. She is a strategic lead for mental wellness, and owner of the company Auntie's Insights. She works with youth through mental health and substance programming. The business was established in response to a gap for Indigenous youth in cities who were missing out on essential advice from aunties in the community. 'There was a gap just in a lot of the knowledge and teachings in terms of harm reduction and prevention education for youth under 12,' Watt said. The Rebeccas are hoping their participation in The Amazing Race Canada will encourage younger generations to embrace new experiences. 'It was so important for us to get out there and represent, not just Indigenous people and Indigenous women, but also just be that representation we didn't have as kids,' she said. From rugged coasts and busy cities, the remainder of the season will see contestants move across the country. 'My philosophy of this show is, yes there's tourism in every place we go, but I don't always want to show tourism… With everything that's happening in the world geopolitically and how people are traveling less, I think our show is a great show that lets people say 'hey there is still a whole massive country to explore',' Lysakowski said. One of the highlights will be when the contestants travel to the third coast—the Arctic Ocean. Watch The Amazing Race Canada Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CTV, and the CTV app, and streaming next day on Crave. By Crystal Local Journalism Initiative Reporter,
Winnipeg Free Press
23-07-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Pedal power for Parkinson's awareness
Tim Hague vividly remembers the day his doctor delivered the life-changing news: he had Parkinson's disease. 'He said, 'You can plan on 10 to 15 good years,' the 60-year-old Winnipegger recalled in an interview with the Free Press on Wednesday. 'Well, I'm 14 years and five months into this thing, and I don't feel like I'm at the end of my good years yet. And I attribute that to exercise.' Hague, a retired nurse, has built an impressive physical regimen — one that once helped him and his son, Tim Jr., win the inaugural season of The Amazing Race Canada in 2013. Staying fit has also become the cornerstone of his fundraising efforts for U-Turn Parkinson's, the Winnipeg-based wellness centre he founded to help others living with the disease. 'It is the fastest growing neurological disease in the world,' said Hague. 'There's over 11 million people now with it worldwide — including more than 7,000 in Manitoba — and that's expected to double by 2040.' Hague really put his plans in motion last summer with the first-ever Team 81 Ride for Parkinson's, which teamed up with Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor. Unfortunately, the two men share a common bond — Connor's late grandfather and father both had the disease. 'You sometimes think people who are of a certain stature — and he's a big stature — don't have time for this sort of thing. But he's been 100 per cent present,' said Hague. 'He is engaged with Parkinson's, and it's very clear. Because this is close to his heart, and he wants to make a lasting impression.' The inaugural ride featured 24 cyclists, 13 of whom completed a gruelling five-day, 550-kilometre trek from Russell to Falcon Lake. Ten of those riders are living with Parkinson's. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES The second annual Team 81 Ride For Parkinson's at Assiniboine Park will be held on Aug. 1 — or 8/1, matching Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor's jersey number. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES The second annual Team 81 Ride For Parkinson's at Assiniboine Park will be held on Aug. 1 — or 8/1, matching Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor's jersey number. 'To see their determination, their smiles of accomplishment at the end of every day, to know their needs firsthand — we were stopping so they could take their medication and rest to ensure they were physically capable — it was incredible to witness and be a part of,' said Kevin Donnelly, senior vice-president of True North Sports & Entertainment. Donnelly has a personal connection to the cause. He's known Hague for years, and the two are about to become family — Hague's daughter, Jordana, is marrying Donnelly's son, Chris, in September. He also played a key role in getting Connor involved after the death of Connor's father, Joe, in 2021, 'Kyle came to Mark (Chipman, co-owner of the Jets) and said, 'I'm ready to reach out, how do I get connected, what's the right organization?'' said Donnelly. 'And this really began to accelerate fast.' Last year's debut event raised more than $141,000 for U-Turn Parkinson's, which uses exercise and wellness programs to support those living with the disease. 'It was absolutely fantastic,' Hague said. And, admittedly, a bit too ambitious. In response, organizers have scaled things back this year, with the goal of making an even bigger impact. Next Friday, Aug. 1 — or 8/1, matching Connor's jersey number — has been officially designated Ride for Parkinson's Day in Manitoba. The second annual Team 81 Ride for Parkinson's will feature a single-day, 50-kilometre route beginning and ending at Assiniboine Park. 'A more manageable ride,' said Hague. Participants will be welcomed at the finish line with a family-friendly celebration, including a bike parade, decorating station, DJ, face painting, mascots and more. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is sponsoring the bike parade, which aims to 'turn heads and show powerful support for those living with Parkinson's.' Canadian Tire is sponsoring the ride. Hague emphasized that people of all ages and abilities are welcome — even those who don't want to hop on a bike. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, often beginning gradually before worsening over time. It impairs co-ordination, balance and strength, and is the world's leading cause of permanent disability. Frank Franklin II / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor's late grandfather and father both had Parkinson's disease. Frank Franklin II / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Winnipeg Jets forward Kyle Connor's late grandfather and father both had Parkinson's disease. Connor issued a statement encouraging the public to consider sponsoring a rider or making a donation of '$81, $810, $8,100 or any other amount you can donate.' 'Every dollar helps,' said Connor. 'Currently, there is no cure, however exercise has been proven to slow the progression of the disease and an event like the Team 81 Ride For Parkinson's can bring awareness to the benefits of exercise.' All proceeds go towards U-Turn Parkinson's, which had been operating out of a church basement but recently moved into Southdale Community Centre. Hague's hope is to one day find a permanent facility of their own. 'We're moving along,' he said. 'We're not even quite a month in, but it's a brand new addition to the community centre and it's absolutely beautiful. It's way more space for us, a way more welcoming space and more suited to what we do.' For more information about the organization and/or the event, visit call 204-510-4869, or email info@ 'There's nobody else in Manitoba that's doing Parkinson's-focused therapy,' said Donnelly. 'When you think about other ailments like heart and stroke and cancer and all these things that are so deserving, there is such a huge infrastructure that exists that isn't there for Parkinson's-afflicted people. So there's a real catch-up that has to happen with this diagnosis and with this community.' X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CTV News
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
‘Sad that the Short Kings are gone': Calgary brothers eliminated from Amazing Race Canada
A Calgary team featuring two brothers were eliminated from The Amazing Race Canada Tuesday night. Calgary residents Esosa and Osas Igbinosun learned their fate at the end of the episode from host Jon Montgomery, who informed them they were out, after finishing with the slowest time in an elimination challenge. 'Osas. Esosa. You are the last team to arrive,' Montgomery said. 'I am sorry to tell you this, but you have been eliminated from the race.' 'OK,' Esosa said. 'I guess that's it then.' 'Thank you for bringing amazing energy to this race,' Montgomery said, 'and I wish you two nothing but the best of luck in what comes next.' On social media, the news hit fans of the 'Short Kings' as the brothers were known, hard. 'I'm so sad that the Short Kings are gone,' said @threestarpet on the Amazing Race Canada Instagram page. 'They were such a charismatic pair!' 'So sad that my two favs are out. Loved them,' said @shanaanderson12. 'Even though it is the race, it hurts to see Osas and Esosa leave because they were fun and entertaining and I honestly wish it was a non-elimination leg,' said @ The brothers, who won fans across the country for their sense of humour as they occasionally got lost en route to completing the latest challenge, were emotional and philosophical about being eliminated. Esosa and Osas Igbinosun The brothers were emotional and philosophical about being eliminated in Week 3 of Amazing Race Canada. (Photo credit: CTV) In a Wednesday morning interview with CTV, they were asked about their goal of paying tribute to their late father and also inspiring others to dream big. 'We did what we wanted to,' said Osas. 'and definitely being on this show was an accomplishment because there's lots of people who applied -- so we're definitely proud of ourselves and we know our dad would be proud, too.' 'I think we just wanted to put ourselves out there,' said Esosa, 'so that people would be, hey, you don't always have to put yourself in a box. 'Just go out, see Canada for what it is, make friendships along the way and just enjoy the whole experience. 'I know we had a good race, even if it wasn't as long as we wanted it to be, but we definitely had a wonderful experience.' The Amazing Race Canada continues next Tuesday night on CTV when the race moves north to Tuktoyaktuk.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Amazing Race Canada' Season 11 elimination: Romance and redemption fall short for Brendan McDougall, Sam May
The Amazing Race Canada got particularly interesting for fans in Season 11 when it was announced that two racers would be returning as a team. Brendan McDougall from Season 8 of the show, and Sam May from Season 10, returned for their redemption round, after they started dating following Sam's appearance on the show. But unfortunately, the Amazing Race Canada couple couldn't find the sparks in the race, being eliminated in Episode 2 as they left Alberta and travelled to Golden, British Columbia. The racers had to search a forest filled with Smurf mushroom houses to find Papa Smurf, and once they had that clue, they had to choose dog sledding or building their own snowshoes as their next challenge. For Brendan and Sam, choosing the snowshoe route for the Detour challenge proved to cost them some time. "We've accepted it now, but it's salt in the wound because throughout the whole race Sam and I were racing really well, we were always kind of middle at least or in the front of the pack," Brendan told Yahoo Canada. "Our directions were always on point. I felt like I was confident after the first leg, the way we interacted and the way we got from point A to point B, even in the second leg until that the Smurf thing. Kind of bad luck. ... Then [we] made one wrong decision." "I will not be snowshoeing anytime soon," Sam added. A big question for Brendan and Sam is whether coming back to show was advantage, or a disadvantage, in their second round of the race. Brendan originally competed with his brother, while Sam raced with her dad last season. "It played with you and played against you," Brendan said. "It played with you in the fact that we already knew ... the process of the race. How to get from point A to point B fast. Where you put your clues, how you get your directions." "Obviously every race, every season, is different, and the challenges are going to be different. So it's not like we had [the benefit of] knowing that," Sam added, saying that while Brendan throught the snowshoe challenge, for example, would be similar to the bike challenge he had in Season 8, that wasn't the case. How 'Amazing Race Canada' romance started But gameplay aside, Amazing Race Canada fans will likely be sad to see this race love story leaving the show. Recalling how they first started dating, Brendan slid into Sam's DMs, but they had gone on one date previously. "We had met previously, ... before Sam was on the race, up in Muskoka. We met at Clear Lake brewery on Oktoberfest like three years before. And we went on a date," Brendan revealed. "We stayed in touch through our friends. ... Then she was on the race with her dad and that kind of gave us something that we could connect on." "And honestly, we met up and we just hit it off so well," Sam added. "We're so different, but we're also so similar. And I think just Brendan's energy and who he is as a person really attracted me to him." Brendan McDougall and Sam May ready to get back to the race — if asked In terms of prepping for Amazing Race Canada this time around, running training was critical for the couple, and ensuring that they packed light was another important element of their prep. "My dad and I thought we'd never see food again, so we packed every single thing in our backpack, and I think that was about eight pounds of protein bars and Snickers and Coca-Colas," Sam said. "This time around, I packed extremely light. What a difference maker that is." So would Brendan and Sam try to run the race a third time, their second time together? They're ready for the call. "To have the experience, to travel around Canada, see beautiful places that you never even know about or think about, ... and the opportunity to win $250,000, sign me up," Sam said. "I'll take that."
Toronto Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Must-see TV: 'Happy Gilmore 2' tops this week's watch list
Get the latest from Mark Daniell straight to your inbox Adam Sandler stars in "Happy Gilmore 2." Photo by Netflix / Courtesy of Netflix Happy Gilmore 2 Film Almost 30 years after he won the Tour Championship in 1996, Adam Sandler hits the links once again as Happy Gilmore. When: Friday on Netflix This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Amazing Race Canada New Episode The race heads to the Fraser Valley in British Columbia where teams try to decode a message and hit the right notes. When: Tuesday on CTV Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel Documentary Traces American Apparel's journey from fashion phenomenon to financial flop. When: Now streaming on Netflix Match Game Season Premiere Four contestants compete to win $25,000 as they attempt to match answers given by celebrity panelists in a series of fill-in-the-blank questions. Martin Short hosts. When: Wednesday on ABC, CTV American Ninja Warrior New Episode The semifinals continue in Las Vegas where the ninjas tackle a longer course featuring 10 iconic obstacles from the past. When: Monday on NBC, CTV Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Unwrapping Christmas: Olivia's Reunion Film Desperate to make it back home in time for the Christmas Gala, Olivia (Cindy Busby) finds herself snowed-in with her ex-boyfriend (Jake Epstein) while delivering gifts. When: Saturday on W Network Acapulco Season 4 Premiere Present-day Maximo (Eugenio Derbez) works tirelessly to restore Acapulco's Las Colinas resort to its former glory before its grand reopening. When: Wednesday on Apple TV+ MasterChef New Episode The Top 8 duos must prepare a VIP dining experience aboard a moving steam train. When: Wednesday on Fox, CTV The Streets: Hong Kong Docuseries Renowned chef Dan Hong embarks on a culinary adventure on the vibrant streets of Hong Kong. When: Thursday on Flavour Network This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Wild Ones Docuseries Showcases a team of wildlife experts as they venture to the planet's most remote areas to document the rare Malayan Tiger, Javan Rhino, Gobi Bear, Caucasian Leopard, North Atlantic Right Whale, and Western Lowland Gorilla. When: Now streaming on Apple TV+ The Forever Walk: China Docuseries Join National Geographic explorer and Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Salopek as he journeys on foot across China. When: Thursday on National Geographic Washington Black Debut Recounts the 19th-century odyssey of George Washington 'Wash' Black, an 11-year-old boy born on a Barbados sugar plantation who finds himself thrust into a globe-spanning adventure. Based on the bestselling book written by Esi Edugyan. When: Wednesday on Disney+ This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Big Brother: Unlocked Reality Takes viewers deep inside the Big Brother house with never-before-seen broadcast footage, exclusive interviews, surprise guest appearances and unprecedented behind-the-scenes access. When: Friday on CBS, Global Bachelor in Paradise New Episode Eligible singles head to Costa Rica in search of romance. When: Monday on ABC, Citytv Too Much Debut From Girls creator Lena Dunham, this series follows a heartbroken New Yorker (Megan Stalter) as she moves to London, where she falls for an indie musician (Will Sharpe) who's anything but the typical romantic hero. When: Now streaming on Netflix Megan Stalter stars in Netflix's 'Too Much.' Photo by Netflix The Amateur Film A mild-mannered CIA decoder (Rami Malek) embarks on a mission of revenge after his wife (Rachel Brosnahan) dies in a London terrorist attack. When: Now streaming on Disney+ Exposing the Pentagon's Proof of UFOs: TMZ Investigates Documentary TMZ takes a deep dive into the declassified Pentagon report detailing hundreds of UFO sightings. When: Now streaming on YouTube mdaniell@ Read More Sports Editorial Cartoons Relationships Uncategorized World
