Team BC fired up for 2015 Games
Team BC’s phase-one athletes came together on Friday to celebrate their achievements at a blue and gold themed pep rally at Shell Place on MacDonald Island, just steps from the opening ceremony. The athletes received an electrifying welcome from mission staff, complete with ‘cheer sleeves’ with a provincial flag-like look.
“The Games are nothing like I expected!” says Team BC cycling athlete Stephanie Denroche. “This is AWESOME!”
Gymnasts Sophie Andrews and Ella Rogers agree. “The best part of the Games so far has been the desserts,” says Sophie Anderson. Ella Rogers goes on to say “the accommodation is amazing!”
Amidst chants of “we are B.C.” Chef de Mission Diane St-Denis congratulated the team and reminded athletes, coaches, and managers to take a moment to enjoy the entire Games experience and to be proud to represent their province.
Games veteran and Team BC Gymnastics coach Kristina Sharp says the Western Canada Summer Games “are such a great experience for the athletes.”
The opening ceremony on Friday evening was spectacular! Pyrotechnics, motocross acrobatics, skydivers, and mascot Mistiko arrived by helicopter. Wood Buffalo pulled out all the stops to create a memorable athlete-centred event and truly delivered #BigAir. The Province of British Columbia was represented at the ceremony by Kelly Mann, President and CEO of the BC Games Society.
Team BC was led into the ceremony by flag bearer canoe/kayak athlete Alex Brent of Dudney.
“As an athlete I know the amount of hard work and dedication it takes to get to these Games,” says Alex Brent. “It is such an honour to represent all the athletes as Team BC Flag Bearer.”
Official competition for the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games begins on Saturday.