Sport BC celebrates BC’s best in amateur sport at the 46^th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS

Olympic and Paralympic athletes, coaches and officials among the 17 honoured

Richmond, BC (March 8, 2012) – Sport BC honoured the best of BC’s sport community tonight at the River Rock Show Theatre at Sport BC’s 46^th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards, presented by TELUS. Athletes, coaches, and officials from across the province were recognized with awards from 17 distinct categories, celebrating the recipients’ achievements over the past year and their dedication to sport.

Sport BC’s 46^th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards recipients:

Athlete with a Disability, presented by the Province of British Columbia
Michelle Stilwell (Nanoose, BC) – Wheelchair Athletics

Coach of the Year, presented by Canadian Sport Centre Pacific
Anatoliy Bondarchuk (Kamloops BC, BC) – Athletics

College Athlete of the Year, presented by KidSport
Preston Tucker (Vernon, BC) – Volleyball

High School Female Athlete of the Year, presented by Scotiabank
Georgia Ellenwood (Langley, BC) – Athletics

High School Male Athlete of the Year, presented by The Province
Adam Keenan (Victoria, BC) – Athletics

Junior Female Athlete of the Year, presented by FIRSTAR Sports
Shirley Fu (Burnaby, BC) – Table Tennis

Junior Male Athlete of the Year, presented by Triple O’s
Curtis Lazar (Vernon, BC) – Hockey

Master Athlete of the Year, presented by Sport BC Insurance
Stephanie Keiffer (Vancouver, BC) – Triathlon

Official of the Year, presented by MyBackCheck.com
Jim Mitchell (Abbotsford, BC) – Wrestling

Senior Female Athlete of the Year, presented by the BC Sport Agency
Paula Findlay (Victoria, BC) – Triathlon

Senior Male Athlete of the Year, presented by TELUS
Dylan Armstrong (Kamloops, BC) – Athletics – Shot Put

Team of the Year, presented by TEAM Radio
Surrey United Women’s Soccer (Surrey, BC) – Soccer

University Athlete of the Year, presented by the Vancouver Sun
Helen Crofts (West Vancouver, BC) – Athletics

Community Champion, presented by Tourism Richmond
Mike Janyk (Vancouver, BC) – Alpine Ski

Best of BC, presented by the Province of British Columbia
Paul McCallum (Surrey, BC) – Football

Daryl Thompson Award, presented by The Beedie Group
Kathy Newman (Richmond, BC) – Wheelchair Sports

Harry Jerome Comeback Award, presented by Canadian Direct Insurance
Brittany Rogers (Coquitlam, BC) – Gymnastics

“This year’s finalists represent 13 BC communities and 19 different sports,” said Sport BC’s Sponsorship and Event Manager, Carey Summerfelt. “The strength of BC’s sport sector was on display tonight as we recognized the outstanding athletic achievements of our finalists.”

The Award recipients are chosen by a selection committee composed of BC sports media representatives and sport leaders with a combined 375 years of experience. Since 1966, Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards have recognized sport icons such as Rick Hansen, Steve Nash, John Furlong, and Nancy Green-Raine.

About Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards:
Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards is the longest standing sport recognition event in the country. Awards in 17 different categories are given each year to athletes, coaches, and officials on their performance and contribution to sport in the province. The awards play a valuable role in nurturing athletic success and recognizing some of BC’s growing talents. For a list of previous award winners and additional information on the 46th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, please visit SportBC.com.

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For more information, please contact:

Jessica Doherty
Communications Manager, Sport BC
E: Jessica.doherty@sportbc.com  |  T: 604.333.3422

Paul McCallum voted best athlete in British Columbia
Two-time Grey Cup champion and CFL All-Star claims top spot for Sport BC’s Best of BC award

RICHMOND, BC (February 28, 2012) — British Columbians named two-time Grey Cup champion Paul McCallum (Surrey, BC) “BC’s best” in a public vote for Sport BC’s Best of BC Award, presented by the Province of British Columbia. The 99^th Grey Cup’s Most Outstanding Canadian Andrew Harris, reigning Canada Soccer Player of the Year Christine Sinclair, Pan American Games record holder Dylan Armstrong and Stanley Cup winner Mark Recchi were also finalists for the award, which recognizes a professional or amateur athlete for outstanding athletic achievement.

In his 19 seasons with the Canadian Football League (CFL), McCallum won two Grey Cups, played for five CFL West All-Star games, and was awarded the Grey Cup’s Most Valuable Canadian Award and the CFL’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Award. While playing for the BC Lions in 2011, McCallum set the record, with 30, for the most all-time consecutive field goals made in the CFL. As the oldest player in the CFL, McCallum also holds the record for the longest field goal made at 62 yards and highest field goal kicking accuracy in a single season.

“Through his performances in the 2011 year and over the course of his 19 year career, Paul has been a standout athlete,” said Carey Summerfelt, Manager of Sponsorship and Events at Sport BC. “British Columbians have taken notice of his athletic achievements and named him BC’s best athlete.”

“Not only has Paul McCallum’s tremendous determination led to a successful career in the CFL, but it has earned him a place in the hearts of British Columbians who cheer him on every time he faces the uprights,” said Hon. Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “They recognize that he is a remarkable leader in sport, and he truly deserves this award.”

This is the second year the public has determined the Best of BC award winner, chosen in previous years by the Athlete of the Year Selection Committee.  The first recipient by public vote in 2011 was Lauren Woolstencroft (Para-Alpine Skiing). Previous recipients include Justin Morneau (Baseball– 2008, 2006), Steve Nash (Basketball— 2006, 2005, 2002 & 2000), and Mitch Berger (Football– 2010).

McCallum will receive the Best of BC award on Thursday, March 8 at Sport BC’s 46^th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS. For more information and to view the finalists in all 17 award categories, visit SportBC.com.

About Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS:
Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards is the longest standing sport recognition event in the country. Awards in 17 different categories are given each year to athletes, coaches, and officials on their performance and contribution to sport in the province. The awards play a valuable role in nurturing athletic success and recognizing some of BC’s growing talents. For a list of previous award winners and additional information on the 46th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, please visit SportBC.com.

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Media Contact:

Jessica Doherty
Manager, Communications
Sport BC
E: Jessica.doherty@sportbc.com
T: 604.333.3422

Sport BC honours ski racer Mike Janyk with Community Champion Award

Two-time Olympian recognized for significant commitment to sport and community building

RICHMOND, BC (February 21, 2012) — Sport BC named Olympic ski racer Mike Janyk (Vancouver, BC) as the recipient of the 2011 Community Champion Award for his athletic achievements and philanthropic practices. This award, presented by Tourism Richmond, will be presented at Sport BC’s 46^th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS on March 8, 2012.

Janyk competed at the 2006 and 2010 Olympic Winter Games and is a three-time national slalom champion. When he is off the slopes, he contributes his time to the development of young Canadian athletes through his Mike and Manny’s Ski Camp initiative and his involvement with KidSport BC. At the second annual Ritchie Bros. Corporate Kids Challenge in September 2011, Janyk helped raise over $530,000 for KidSport BC, giving close to 2700 kids the opportunity to play a season of sport.

“Mike demonstrates a clear commitment to the growth and development of the next generation of BC athletes,” said Carey Summerfelt, Manager of Sponsorship & Events at Sport BC. “Like those honoured before him, he has shown the difference one can make not only as a sport champion but a community champion as well.”

“Richmond is a city that values sport and we appreciate what a difference community involvement can make in the development of our athletes,” said Tracy Lakeman, CEO, Tourism Richmond. “Mike Janyk helps make sport possible for young athletes in all communities across BC through his many charitable initiatives and we are proud to recognize him as a community champion.”

The Community Champion Award recipient is selected annually by a committee of BC sportswriters, broadcasters, athletes and amateur sport experts. Previous award winners include Trevor Linden (2007), Steve Nash (2008), Emily Brydon (2009) and Denny Morrison (2010).

Join us in celebrating Mike Janyk and the excellence of BC’s amateur athletes at Sport BC’s 46^th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards, presented by TELUS. More information can be found at SportBC.com.

About Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards:
Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards is the longest standing sport recognition event in the country. Awards in 17 different categories are given each year to athletes, coaches, and officials on their performance and contribution to sport in the province. The awards play a valuable role in nurturing athletic success and recognizing some of BC’s growing talents. For a list of previous award winners and additional information on the 46th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, please visit SportBC.com.

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Media Contact:

Jessica Doherty
Manager, Communications
Sport BC
E: Jessica.doherty@sportbc.com
T: 604.333.3422

 Who do you think is BC’s best athlete?

Sport BC partners with the Province of British Columbia to promote people’s choice award for top BC amateur or professional athlete

Richmond, BC (January 24, 2012) – Sport BC, in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, encourages all British Columbians to have their say in naming the top BC athlete of 2011 by voting online at SportBC.com. The athlete who receives the highest number of votes will be honoured with the Best of BC award for his or her achievements at Sport BC’s 46^th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS.

Voters will be asked to choose the athlete they feel best represented BC nationally or internationally in either a professional or amateur sport from the following finalists:

• Dylan Armstrong (Kamloops,  BC) – Athletics, 2011 Pan American Games Gold Medalist
• Andrew Harris (Nanaimo, BC) – Football, 99^th Grey Cup – Most Outstanding Canadian
• Paul McCallum (Surrey, BC) – Football, Record most consecutive field goals in the CFL
• Mark Recchi (Kamloops, BC) – Ice Hockey, Stanley Cup winning season
• Christine Sinclair (Burnaby, BC) – Soccer, 2011 Pan American Games Gold Medalist & flag bearer

“British Columbians are exceptionally proud of our athletes and the sport system that supports them as they train, develop and compete,” said Hon. Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. “These five athletes have made tremendous achievements in their sport, and truly represent the best of BC’s collective spirit – excellence, fortitude and strength.”

“2011 was an outstanding year for BC’s athletes, as evident by the calibre of candidates put forward for this award,” said Carey Summerfelt, Event Manager for Sport BC. “These five athletes are powerhouses, not only as competitors in their respective sports, but also in their representation of our province on the world stage.”

The online vote, along with athlete profiles, can be found at SportBC.com/bestofbc. Voting closes on February 27, 2012 and the people’s choice for Best of BC will be revealed the following day. Previous winners of the Best of BC Award include Lauren Woolstencroft (Para Alpine Ski, 2010), Justin Morneau (Baseball, 2008) and Steve Nash (Basketball, 2005 & 2006).

Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards is Canada’s longest running sport recognition event, celebrating BC’s finest athletes. Tickets for this year’s event, taking place March 8 at the River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond BC, are still available and can be purchased now at SportBC.com.

About Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards:

Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards is the longest standing sport recognition event in the country. Awards in 17 different categories are given each year to athletes, coaches, and officials on their performance and contribution to sport in the province. The awards play a valuable role in nurturing athletic success and recognizing some of BC’s growing talents. For a list of previous award winners and additional information on the 46th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, please visit SportBC.com.

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For more information, please contact:
Jessica Doherty
Manager, Communications
T: 604.333.3422
E: Jessica.doherty@sportbc.com

The Canadian side will face three academy sides including Welbeck Form Military College (February 26th), Leicester Tigers Academy (February 29th) and Northampton Saints Academy (March 3rd).

Eight of the 27 players were members of British Columbia’s U18 national championship side that downed Ontario for the 2011 title this past August.

“It’s gratifying to see players coming through our Pathway programs to reach this level,” said BC Provincial Coach and Development Manager Dave Brown. “Jorden Best for example, has played BC U14 right through to U18 as well as Canada U17 and the Youth Commonwealth Games Sevens. Most of the players have also been involved with the BC Academy with the exception of [Burnaby's] Fuku Vikilani who came into the Provincial program at the U18 level.”

The national selection is the first for Jordan Harvey who co-captained the BC U18 team at nationals in Calgary this year. Harvey carried his form into the fall club season, where he guided Capilano RFC to the 2011 U19 provincial club championship.

“It is really pleasing to see Jordan get the credit that he deserves,” Brown added. “From Playing prop on our U16 pogram, Jordan has developed into an excellent back row player who combines a solid skill set with a great work ethic and tremendous on-field leadership and maturity.”

Brown also acknowledged the work of local rugby programs in developing the players who will represent their country in the coming months.

“Of course we can not fail to mention the work done by both club and school coaches in developing these players to their current level,” Brown added.

Canada U19 touring roster
(Name/ Club/ Province)
*Paul Ahn (UBC Thunderbirds / British Columbia)
*Jorden Best (Abbotsford RFC / British Columbia)
Josh Boyles (Ontario)
Mac Chown (Ontario)
Joe Franey (Saskatchewan)
Eric Garnham (Ontario)
*Fergus Hall (Castaway Wanderers RFC / British Columbia)
Lucas Hammond (Ontario)
*Jordan Harvey (Capilano RFC / British Columbia)
Sawyer Hearn (Ontario)
Matt Heaton (Quebec)
Daniel Lantos (Newfoundland)
Jonny LaPlaca (Ontario)
*Alex Mascott (UBC Thunderbirds/ British Columbia)
Kerry McElhaney (Alberta)
David Merithew (Ontario)
*Liam Murphy-Burke (UBC Thunderbirds/ British Columbia)
Jon Nadler (Quebec)
Luca Pattellia (Ontario)
Darcy Ralph (Alberta)
D.J. Sears (Ontario)
Scott Sopel (Ontario)
Monty Tichowsky (Saskatchewan)
*Reid Tucker (Capilano RFC/ British Columbia)
*Fuku Vikilani (Burnaby Lake Rugby Club/ British Columbia)
Jacob Webster (Ontario)
Matt Whittle (Newfoundland)
*denotes 2011 national champions with BC’s U18 team

Non-Traveling Reserves
Chris Gladney (Ontario)
*Connor Hamilton (Vancouver Rowing Club / British Columbia)
*Connor Hunter (Abbotsford RFC / British Columbia)
Curtis Lauzon (Ontario)
Kainoa Lloyd (Ontario)
Mike Santangalli (Ontario)
*Charlie Thorpe (UBC Thunderbirds / British Columbia)
*Quinton Willms (Bayside Sharks RFC / British Columbia)
*denotes 2011 national champions with BC’s U18 team

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Toronto, ON (December 7, 2011) – Tennis Canada announced Wednesday that Rebecca Marino (Vancouver) has been named 2011 Most Outstanding Female Player. The 20-year-old’s impressive season featured many career milestones, including reaching her first WTA final, advancing to the third round at the French Open, and hitting a high of No. 38 on the WTA rankings in July.

The City of Victoria, British Columbia has been awarded the 2013 Ford World Men’s Curling Championship, it was confirmed today in a joint announcement by the World Curling Federation (WCF) and the Canadian Curling Association (CCA).

The championship will be held at the 6,500-seat Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre from March 30-April 7, 2013, the same venue which hosted the very successful 2005 Ford World Men’s, which drew 116,167 fans for the event in the first year when the men’s and women’s world championships were once again separated.

Kate Caithness, President of the World Curling Federation, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to Victoria for the 2013 Ford World Men’s Championship. Previous events held at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre have been hugely successful and a great platform for what is one of the pinnacles of the curling calendar.

“Our Member Associations will be delighted to return to Victoria in the knowledge that Canada will put on yet another first class event for the World to enjoy.”

It will be the 21st time that Canada has staged the World Men’s championship since 1959, the fifth time it’s been hosted by the province (1966, 1987, 1998 and 2005) and the second time in Victoria.

“In collaboration with our partner, the World Curling Federation, the CCA is delighted to have the beautiful city of Victoria host another major curling championship,” explained Greg Stremlaw, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Curling Association.

“The Ford World Men’s Curling Championship was highly successful in 2005, and we believe that Victoria is primed to build on this success in 2013 as they host the world.”

“My co-chair, Chris Atchison, and myself, along with the entire curling community, are thrilled that the Ford World Men’s Curling Championship is returning to Victoria,” added Keith Dagg, host committee co-chair.

“We both worked on the 2005 championship, the first ever sports event held at the then new Save-on- Foods Memorial Centre, and we’re proud that 17 of the 22 draws sold out. As a result, the host committee made a significant profit and the City now has a terrific curling program as a legacy of hosting the event.”

Canada has won a leading 33 world men’s titles since 1959, and is currently the reigning champion, having won in 2011 (skip Jeff Stoughton), when it was held in Regina, Saskatchewan.

“In our 18th year as partner to the Ford World Men’s Curling Championship, Ford of Canada is proud and honoured to be title sponsor of the 2013 championship, which will take place in the great city of Victoria,” said Graeme Whickman, Vice-President of Marketing, Ford of Canada.

In fact, when British Columbia has hosted the World Men’s, Canada has not lost. In 1966 and 1987, when held in Vancouver, it was won by Ron Northcott and Russ Howard, respectively. In 1998 in Kamloops, Canada’s Wayne Middaugh prevailed and in 2005 in Victoria, Canada’s Randy Ferbey emerged from a wild six-way tie for first place to claim victory.

Tickets for the 2013 Ford World Men’s are expected to go on sale in March of 2012. The 2013 Ford World Men’s will also determine most of the countries (excluding host Russia) which will qualify for the men’s competition at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, based on the cumulative results/standings at the 2012 and 2013 championships.

Meanwhile, the 2012 Ford World Women’s Curling Championship will take place March 17-25 in Lethbridge, Alberta, while the 2012 World Men’s Championship will be staged in Basel, Switzerland, March 31-April 8. The 2013 World Women’s Curling Championship has been awarded to Riga, capital of Latvia.

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For further information:

Greg Stremlaw
Chief Executive Officer
Canadian Curling Association
613.834.2076 x117

Cell: 613.799.9993

The summer has been a very busy season for Provincial Team riders, as many are training nationally and internationally in different parts of the world, such as in Switzerland and Belgium. Others are also gearing up for the much anticipated Tour of California. Cycling BC is thrilled to have a fantastic number of riders out training for competitions thanks to their strong sponsors over the past years. Cycling supporters, volunteers, staff and coaches have helped cycling become the sport it is today at all levels, from the playground to podium.

Cycling BC would like to thank all those who made it possible for this special gathering at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Especially to those who are parents, partners, friends and family.

A very special thanks goes  to Michelle Schwingboth for volunteering her time and photography skills.(www.plushphoto.ca)

Having beaten Saskatchewan and North West Territories en-route to the final, the BC Women’s U15/16 soccer team won the Gold medal 3-1 against Manitoba in a very physical match. Two early goals by South Surrey’s Amanpreet Sherghill in the 7th and 22nd minutes set the stage for a BC victory. Richmond’s Summer Clarke later scored to make it 3-0. A late goal by Manitoba wasn’t enough to change the outcome.  Even though BC had a player sent off late in the game for a second yellow card offence, the team held out to take the gold medal.

“The girls came out and executed what we asked,” said BC Women’s head coach and staff member of BC Soccer’s Soccer Development Department Markus Reinkens (Port Moody). “We got out to a good lead and were put under a little pressure at the end losing a player (to a red card). It’s a great achievement by the team in challenging conditions after what has been a very hard and long season for many of the players. The girls were a great credit to themselves, their families and Team B

Captain Jasmine Mander (Delta), who scored a goal in the contest, said after the game “Like any Gold medal game you want it as equally as the next team. Both teams want to be physical. It was expected. Both teams wanted to win.”

Unfortunately the boys’ team were unable to replicate the gold medal performance by the girls, losing 2-0 to Alberta and therefore bringing home the silver medal. Wins against Manitoba and the Yukon gave the team a place in the gold medal game but two early goals by Alberta won it for them despite a spirited fight back by the BC team.

Head Coach Michael Findlay (West Vancouver) said “I am very proud of what the boys managed to achieve even though they eventually lost to a physical Alberta team. Their application and commitment to continue apply themselves technically throughout was a key factor and honours the overall philosophy of the program. This is a great experience for all of the players and one which they will remember for many years to come”.
For information about the BC Soccer Development programme please go to

http://www.bcsoccer.net/SOCCER/tabid/244/Default.aspx

About BC Soccer

BC Soccer is the provincial sport governing body responsible for the promotion and development of the game in British Columbia. The professional not-for-profit society is committed to developing the game by inspiring British Columbians to lifelong active, inclusive and team play. Its vision is to pursue Canada’s foremost integrated soccer development system built upon club, school, varsity and professional team excellence.

BC Soccer is comprised of 150 member Clubs, Districts and Leagues, spanning more than 120,000 registered players, over 2,500 referees, and thousands of coaches and other volunteer administrators and soccer leaders. Working with these member Clubs, Districts and Leagues, BC Soccer will operate under the guiding principles of Professional Leadership, Passionate Service and Progressive Collaboration. In managing its relationships throughout the larger soccer community, BC Soccer will promote the integral soccer values of authenticity, unity and integrity.

www.bcsoccer.net

August 14, 2011

Kamloops – Team BC ended the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games with the most impressive medal haul in recent history, earning medals in every sport. The 345 athletes from across BC walked off the fields, courts, pools, course, mountains, lakes and mats with 130 Gold, 68 Silver and 63 Bronze medals, an increase of 32% over 2007. The 261 total medals of 2011 betters the mark of 197 won at the 2007 Games in Strathcona County, AB.

“This is an amazing performance by Team BC,” said Irene Schell (Victoria)Team BC Chef de Mission. “This proves that BC’s sport system, which receives funding from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and includes provincial sport organizations, multi-sport organizations and sport partners, is doing an incredible job helping athletes achieve personal best performances and to reach their podium potential. It also gives coaches the tools and resources they need to do their job. Team BC is a team effort and this is a tremendous team result.”

“The talent pool of athletes in this province is deep,” continued Schell. “I look forward to following these athletes as they continue their journey to the top of national and international podiums.”

Swimmers Joseph Byram (Vernon) and Kierra Smith (Kelowna) won an astounding 16 medals between them in the pool and for that, Team BC named both of them joint Flag Bearers for Sunday’s Closing Ceremony. Byram won nine Gold medals while Smith earned seven Gold medals and one Silver medal.

Team BC was involved in virtually every final competion on the final day of the Games.

Badminton won their encounter against Alberta winning seven matches enroute to their Gold medal. Vanora Lo (Vancouver) won her singles match in two straight sets 21-10 21-15.

“Today I wasn’t as sore as I felt yesterday,” said Lo alluding to an injured knee. “I felt more prepared and comfortable. I hope to take a holiday now with my mom to Taiwan to go to the Junior World Championships. I want to take in the atmosphere and check out the calibre of play because I hope to be competing there one day.”

BC’s rowers walked away with six Gold medals on their final day of competition, placing first in the men’s single, pair, four, and double as well as the women’s double and eight. At the end of three exciting days on the water Team BC’s rowing crew collected 11 Golds and one Silver.

BC won the women’s soccer Gold Medal with a 3-1 win over Manitoba in a physical match that saw one red card for BC. Captain Jasmine Mander (Delta) said after the game, “Like any Gold medal game you want it as equally as the next team. Both teams want to be physical. It was expected. Both teams wanted to win.”

The men’s soccer team won the Silver medal with a 0-2 loss to Alberta.

In volleyball, the women’s team won the Gold medal while the men won the Bronze.

In men’s cross country mountain bike, Quinn Moberg (Garibaldi Highlands) won a Silver medal while Amanda Wakeling (Courtenay) took the Bronze in the women’s race.

In gymnastics, Nicolas Garfias (Abbotsford) won six Gold medals over the entire competition. In total, gymnastics won 20 medals for Team BC. On the final day 10 medals were won by the men while the women added another five medals.

“We’re very happy with our results,” said Valentin Stan (North Vancouver), Team BC manager for gymnastics. “The boys had a rough competition at the Nationals but they bounced back here in Kamloops.”

It wasn’t an easy win in field hockey but the women managed to get the job done. After having an easier time in the round robin, Team BC had to dig deep to pull out a 1-0 win over Alberta for the Gold medal. Samantha McComb (Delta) scored in the 41st minute to secure the win.

“We were a little jittery,” admitted McComb. “It was like BC was supposed to win. There was a lot of pressure.”

“They definitely did feel the pressure from us, from the Provincial Sport Organization and from themselves,” said head coach Jenn Beagan (Vancouver). “But they were able to rise to the occasion.”

In swimming Luke Reilly (Richmond) won the Gold medal in the 5km while Justin Chan (Vancouver) won the Silver.

“I felt a bit tired. It’s been a long meet,” said Reilly. “But my race plan was to get a lead at the start so I could focus on my swim and not worry about what other swimmers were doing.”

Sherry Liu (Burnaby) won the Gold medal in the women’s 5km race.

BC men dominated on the rugby pitch again Sunday to win their game with Saskatchewan 41-5, earning a Gold medal for Team BC.

“I’m very proud,” said head coach Shane Thompson (Victoria). “They did everything that we asked of them. They kept playing within the team concept that we have been preaching since day one. It’s great to win but it’s more secondary to how they played,” he added. ” I’m really pleased with the work they put in and the finished product. It’s a good sign for BC and sevens.”

Notables over the past 10 days include:

Swimming won an incredible 73 medals in the pool (40 Gold 17 Silver 16 Bronze); athletics followed with 42 (18 Gold 15 Silver 9 Bronze) and Canoe/Kayak with 33 (4 Gold 14 Silver 15 Bronze).

Wheelchair athletics athlete Tristan Smyth (Maple Ridge) won three Gold medals (200m, 400m and 1500m) after being injured in January 2011 and competing in his first multi-sport Games.

Women’s soccer head coach Markus Reinkens (Port Moody) demonstrated the epitome of fair play when, after a Northwest Territories athlete was red carded early in the game for a hand ball, he pulled one of his own players to compete with ten women for the rest of the game.

Team BC race walker Katelynn Ramage (Nanaimo) was told when she arrived at the Games that her event had been cancelled due to the fact that no other athlete entered the race. Ramage and athletic’s coach Allen Johnston (Nanaimo) offered a race walking clinic for three Northwest Territories athletes who then entered the race. The event was back on and Ramage won a Gold medal setting a Western Canada Games Record in the process. Two NWT athletes who would not have received a medal otherwise won a Silver and Bronze medal respectively.

In rowing, despite dealing with an equipment issue (broken rudder) during the finals of the women’s pair and rowing an extra 500m, Hannah Nielsen (Victoria) and Michelle Aylard (Sidney) won the Gold medal despite their equipment issues.

In canoe/kayak, after winning a Bronze medal in the C4 1000m, Sandra Sorescu (Maple Ridge) jumped into a powerboat and was taken to the start of the K4 1000m where she filled the position of an injured teammate and won her second Bronze medal of the day.

BC’s golf and triathlon teams both made history at these Games, winning the first Gold medals ever in these sports which had their inaugural debut.

BC stood in first place in flag points after week one and was first in medal standings. The final tally has BC in first place in flag points with 213. Alberta was second with 187, followed by Manitoba with 166. Flag points represent a system of measuring and ranking overall performance by provinces at the Western Canada Summer Games and are an indication of the depth of each respective provincial sport system. For example, flag points means soccer, with two medals (men’s and women’s) can be compared equivalently to canoe/kayak that has numerous medals in many disciplines.

The last time Team BC exceeded 200 flag points was when Abbotsford hosted the Western Canada Summer Games in 1995.

Team BC captured over 52% of the total Gold medals (Team BC won more Gold medals than the rest of the provinces and territories combined).

“I want to thank Kamloops for their hospitality,” added Schell. “I am proud to have lead this team in our home province. Without the expertise of the Host Society, spectacular venues to compete on and thousands of volunteers to take care of our every need, this result would not be possible.”

“And finally thank you to our Minister, the Honourable Ida Chong, and the Government of BC for the ongoing support for sport and Team BC.”

Team BC sent 345 athletes aged 12 to 42 and 72 coaches to the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games. BC has now won the Western Canada Summer Games Cup for the 10th time since the Games’ inception in 1975.

The 2011 Western Canada Summer Games took place Aug. 5-14 in Kamloops and brought together approximately 2,300 athletes competing in 19 sports, along with coaches, managers and officials from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and the Yukon Territory.

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For more information contact :

Judy Joseph-Black, Team BC Communications Manager at 250-217-4518

Jan Mansfield, Team BC Communications Coordinator at 604-719-3828