The first wave of Yukon athletes began competing over the weekend at the Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg, but not before an inspiring opening ceremonies on Friday.

“They were awesome,” team communications officer Diana Dryburgh said in an interview this morning. “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a surprise appearance.

“It was just really high energy and all the kids seem to have a really great time.”

The prime minister spoke for under five minutes but stuck around for photo opportunities, she said.

Dryburgh said Emily Johnson of the Yukon’s female basketball team managed to get a selfie with Trudeau.

“Perfect timing.”

The opening ceremonies also featured Canadian musician Serena Ryder.

Yukon runner Jack Amos was the flag bearer for the territory.

Amos runs his first event tonight, the 1,500.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing his result in that race,” Dryburgh said.

Throughout the two weeks, the territories and provinces will take turns hosting the cultural festival every evening. Included in the lineup is a performance by the Sheep Dogs.

On Wednesday, the three northern territories will showcase their talents. Performing from the Yukon will be Diyet and the Dakhka Khwaan Dancers.

The first wave of 87 Yukon athletes leaves Winnipeg Saturday, and the second wave of 60 arrives the same day.

Dryburgh said the Yukon athletes again faced the conundrum of going up against teams from larger provinces with a greater pool of athletes to draw from, but they did so with tenacity.

In men’s beach volleyball, for instance, the Yukon opened up the competition on Sunday against Ontario, whose two players happen to be on Canada’s national team, she pointed out.

Nonetheless, Max Clarke and Benjamin Grundmanis put forward a solid performance. Though they dropped the match in two straight games, it wasn’t without giving Ontario a fight, losing the first game 21-8 and the second game 21-12.

They lost their second match yesterday to Saskatchewan – 21-9, 21-9.

In female soccer, the Yukon lost 9-0 to Quebec on Saturday and 6-0 to Saskatchewan Sunday.

In female basketball, the Yukon lost 98-14 on Saturday to Nova Scotia and 126-2 to Alberta later in the day.

In male basketball, Saskatchewan defeated the Yukon 107-45 on Saturday and New Brunswick defeated them 122-45 on Sunday.

Dryburgh said while some scores may be lopsided, the Yukon athletes are using the opportunities against the tougher competition to learn and improve their games.

In yesterday’s soccer game against Saskatchewan, the Yukoners set a goal of breaking into the defensive zone and getting at least one shot on net.

“And they did accomplish that,” Dryburgh said.

She noted in the basketball game against New Brunswick, team Yukon may have lost 122-45 but they managed to outscore the prairie province 23-20 in the third quarter.

“The boys were extremely proud of themselves for winning the third quarter.”

All in all, things are going well, Dryburgh said, though with daytime temperatures hovering around 30 degrees, it’s been a little warm but it’s expected to cool off somewhat for the remainder of the week.

“Things have been really good,” she said. “It’s been a really positive experience so far and we’re looking forward to the rest of the week.”