PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Its mere hours away from officially calling the 2015 Canada Winter Games closed and Saskatchewan has chosen its flag bearer. Cross-country skier Brittany Hudak found out she received the honour Sunday morning in Prince George, B.C.
The 21-year-old Prince Albert, Sask. woman won three gold medals during the games. She came out on top in the 1.2, 2.5 and the five kilometre para-nordic women’s cross-country competitions.
“My performances were great and it’s all thanks to all of the mission staff and all of the other athletes for all their support, so I was really pleased with my results and just a huge thank you to Team Sask.,” said Hudak.
The closing ceremonies are being held Sunday at Canada Games Plaza and Hudak is excited to participate before flying home.
“I really have been enjoying competing for Saskatchewan because when I started this sport, I only raced in Saskatchewan my first year and I had so much support in the province, so now that I’m able to actually compete for the province it feels really good,” said Hudak.
This is only the third racing season for the University of Regina student.
“I actually got started when I met Colette Bourgonje,” said Hudak of the seven-time paralympian.
“I was working at Canadian Tire at the time and Colette saw me and came and talked to me and asked me if I would like to try cross-country skiing.”
READ MORE: Prince Albert’s Brittany Hudak wins gold at IPC World Cup
Hudak encourages other kids to give winter sports a try for their chance at representing their home province.
“There’s a lot of support in the province so if you can find some equipment and just join a club within the province and start racing … it’s a lot of fun, it’s such a good environment, the races are fun,” said Hudak.
“It’s basically just get on the skies and give it a try,” said Hudak.
She plans on wrapping up the season with a competition in Norway later this month.
The other gold medalists from the province were North Battleford’s Matthew Hudec, Saskatoon’s Lucas Morin and Jeremy Ruddick of Martensville. Saskatchewan is fifth in the standings with six gold, eight silver and 14 bronze medals.
Around 2,400 Canadian athletes from all provinces and territories competed in 19 sports over 18 days in northern B.C.
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