National Sports

VANCOUVER — Defender Sheanon Williams was cleared to return to Vancouver Whitecaps activities and competition on Friday following an assessment by Major League Soccer's substance abuse and behavioral health program doctors and an investigation by the

TORONTO — Blue Jays Rule 5 draft pick Glenn Sparkman didn't even notice he had broken the thumb on his pitching hand when it first happened at spring training four months ago.

CALGARY — General manager Brad Treliving didn't wait until the start of unrestricted free agency to fill the Calgary Flames' needs.

ROSARIO, Argentina — Lionel Messi and his childhood sweetheart are getting ready for their marriage in his Argentine hometown of Rosario at a ceremony attended by some of the biggest names in world soccer.

MONTREAL — After a nasty and unsuccessful Voyageurs Cup clash with rival Toronto FC, it's back to regular business for the Montreal Impact.

VANCOUVER — Carl Robinson does not exactly have fond memories of playing against Bastian Schweinsteiger. "He was probably the hardest player I've played against," said Robinson, a Welshman who now coaches the Vancouver Whitecaps.

REGINA — Brendon LaBatte and Patrick Neufeld will help launch a new era of CFL football in Regina when their teams face off in the first regular-season game at the city's new Mosiac Stadium on Saturday.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Longtime racing writer Norma "Dusty" Brandel has won the Squier-Hall Award for NASCAR media excellence. NASCAR officials made the announcement Friday at Daytona International Speedway.

LONDON — The "Big 4" got a tough draw at Wimbledon.

TORONTO — The Toronto Wolfpack liked what they saw in Quinn Ngawati during tryouts last year. And the Victoria teenager has continued to impress after joining the fledgling rugby league club mid-season.