Team BC members are settling into the 2017 Canada Games Athletes Village at the University of Manitoba after arriving on Saturday from the West Coast. They took a break from their training and practice sessions on Sunday to attend the Team BC week two pep rally. It was a chance for athletes from all the sports to get to know each other and practice some new cheers.
Competition begins Monday in canoe/kayak, road cycling, golf, men’s soccer, women’s softball, swimming, tennis, volleyball (men and women) and wrestling.
The rally included another donation of running shoes to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg as part of Team BC’s Leave Your Tracks legacy initiative with Team Ontario.
Quotes:
HOFER, Brodie (Langley) – Volleyball (Team Captain)
“We are really excited. We are enjoying the village. Especially the pin trading, that’s a lot of fun. We are definitely excited to compete. This last week, we worked really hard to prepare ourselves and I think we’re prepared. We are really happy to represent our province.”
SINGH, Sehajvir (New Westminster) – Swimming
“We are really excited with the atmosphere and with all the other provinces. The pin trading, for the most of us, it’s our first time. This is my first time at any games. I am very excited for the meet to start. My first race is tomorrow.
LAU, Alicia (Richmond) – Golf
“Everyone is super enthusiastic. It’s awesome to be a part of something bigger than just golf. We’re a small team, so we are usually by ourselves. To be in this team environment is totally different. Team BC is ready to rock and roll. We are going to be good!”
BHATHA, Joclyn (Vancouver) – Wrestling
“I can’t believe I am here because two years ago I didn’t make the BC team. But I am here now and the competition is even bigger, so I am really excited. It’s really fun because I am travelling with some of my best friends and my teammates, so I am happy about that.”
VERGE, Genevieve (Sechelt) – Swimming, Special Olympics
“It’s really exciting. It’s also really honouring to be here and represent where I come from. I am really humbled to be here. Bring it on is all I can say. We’re from the West Coast, bring it on from Team BC, baby.”
CARLOW, Mikyla (Youbou/ Cowichan Valley) – Swimming, Special Olympics
“It’s so amazing. It’s a great opportunity to be here. I am so ready for my races.”
WARBURTON, Rob (Surrey) – Coach, Women’s Softball
“They are ready. We got our first practice today. We can’t wait. We only picked our team two weeks ago, but we’re ready to go.
SCHMIDT, Michelle - Director of Programs, Boys and Girls Clubs of Winnipeg
On following the performances of athletes
“We’ve been following and watching and seeing the good performances of BC. We love to cheer for good games. I think that’s the bottom line. At the end of the day, you want athletes to do their best to win.”
On hosting the Canada Games in Winnipeg
“It’s an opportunity for us to showcase our city. Sometime we don’t highlight the awesomeness we have in our city. For people to come and visit us and see what we have to offer, it’s just an awesome way for us to celebrate Winnipeg with the rest of Canada.”