PENTICTON — Some of the best young athletes from across our province have rolled into Penticton, including 12-year-old Chadsey Maria Honig.
“I’m just so excited to be here. I can’t believe I’ve made it this far with figure skating,” she says.
She’s one of more than 1,200 competitors who have descended upon the south Okanagan city. Penticton is no stranger to hosting this major sporting event.
“The very first B.C. Summer Games were in this very city, so when we build on the tradition of excellence, you can understand why today and this weekend is going to be so wonderful,” says Kelly Mann, the President and CEO of the B.C. Games Society.
For many of these competitors, their desire to succeed is huge.
“Big pressure because I really want to do good because my mom came around this age, and it was her first Games and she came in first place. I want to try to do what my mom did,” says Peyton Molberg.
“It is just a once-in-a-lifetime thing. We will never get another chance to do it,” says Bryn Girvin, who won’t be able to compete in the judo event once he turns 16.
Besides their attempt to make it to the podium, they will also be learning to be more independent.
“This is their first big gym competition away from us as parents, and sleeping with the team and coaches. So it is a great growing up opportunity,” says Lisa Vanadel, a parent.
There are 17 different sporting events, all of which are free to watch. For the full schedule, click here.
Comments