Athletics joined the Canada Games in 1973 and has been a mainstay of Summer instalments ever since. Initially featuring only able-bodied athletes, events for athletes with a physical disability were incorporated in 1993 and for Special Olympics athletes in 2009.
Featuring notable alumni such as Heather Moyse, Bruny Surin, Andre De Grasse, and Sarah Mitton, the athletics program has a proud tradition as one of the most inclusive sports at the Canada Games.