The 2017 Canada Summer Games kicked off yesterday, but what exactly are they? We have the answer here.

The Canada Games are held every two years and alternate between winter and summer. Starting in 1967, the Canada Games are designed to develop Canada's young athletes.

The competition is open to amateur athletes only and athletes represent their home province or territory.

The Canada Games say that their vision is "a strong, healthy Canada through engagement in sport, united in celebration of our many cultures and shared national heritage."

Quebec City hosted the first ever Canada Games, which is now the largest multi-sport competition for young athletes in the nation. For it's 50th year, the Canada Games are being held in the largest city to date, Winnipeg.

Over 4000 athletes and coaches will be in Winnipeg, participating in more than 16 sports and over 250 different events. 20,000 people are expected to visit Winnipeg during the Games.

Some of the best athletes in our country played in the Canada Games, including Manitoba Olympic legends Cindy Klassen and Sami-Jo Small, plus NHL star Sidney Crosby from Nova Scotia.

The 2017 Canada Summer Games will run from Friday, July 28 until Sunday, August 13.