The third day of action in Antigonish saw Team BC 2018 members come through with clutch performances and many personal bests. As the 2018 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games wind down, athletes from British Columbia continue to show sportsmanship and skill as they add to their impressive medal count.
Team BC rhythmic gymnasts got their first opportunity to shine today. The athletes took part in divisioning, and are looking forwarding to starting their official competition on Saturday. All the athletes performed their routines well, and there was a fun, positive atmosphere at the event.
Special Olympics BC – Prince George rhythmic gymnast Darcie Muzychka said she felt relaxed while competing, and she was focusing on having fun and not overthinking her routine.
Muzychka said being part of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games has been a great experience, and she has enjoyed spending time in Antigonish.
“My favourite thing about National Games so far is just the scenery, the town – lovely!” she said.
Team BC golfers have been lighting up the links since Wednesday, and athletes from British Columbia were well represented on the podium as the sport wrapped up today.
“All the Team BC golf athletes competed so well and were so encouraging, not only to each other but to the other athletes as well. The camaraderie was amazing!” said Team BC mission staff member for golf Arthur Pangilinan.
SOBC – Kelowna golfer Kyle Grummett locked down a gold medal with an incredible final round. Grummett finished his nine holes at the Antigonish Golf & Country Club with a score of 38, two-over par. Grummett’s clutch round saw him make par on six holes and birdie on one hole. He finished the tournament 15-over par.
SOBC – Nanaimo golfer Gus Vaughan also earned a gold medal today, and SOBC – Kimberley/Cranbrook’s Erin Thom won a silver medal. Vaughan ended the week 63-over par and Thom finished at 49-over par.
Team BC swimmers continue to make waves at the St. Francis Xavier University Alumni Aquatic Centre. Today the swimmers earned eight gold, 10 silver, and 16 bronze medals, taking their total medal count up to 109. Seven Team BC swimmers won multiple medals on Friday, including SOBC – Kelowna athlete Kelsey Wyse who found gold in the 200-metre individual medley and the 200-metre freestyle.
“Swimmers are consistently coming in and crushing their personal bests,” said Team BC and SOBC – Whistler Valley coach Christiana Durfeld. “The athletes are inspiring the coaches every day. They are taking everything in stride and coming out strong.”
Team BC track and field athletes had another strong day, collecting medals in the 100-metre, 800-metre, 3,000-metre, and mini-javelin events. You can see more athletics results here.
Saturday promises to provide a thrilling conclusion to the National Games in Antigonish. Tomorrow will see the BC Rebels play for gold in soccer and the BC Warriors and the BC Ogopogos go for gold on the basketball court. The BC Capitals will swing for gold in softball, and the BC Thunder will take to the diamond to play for bronze.
On the bocce court, SOBC – Salmon Arm’s Carina Chu, SOBC – Kelowna’s Katarina Gerhardt, and SOBC – Salmon Arm’s Tristan Harms-Popham will compete for bronze medals. Ben Willms and Tony Wilkinson will face off for gold in an all-SOBC – Kelowna final.
The day will also include action in athletics, bocce, rhythmic gymnastics, and swimming.