Recap of Friday’s Events
Alpine Skiing Showcases Skill and Spirit at Red Mountain
By Erin Baker
Racers took to the Giant Slalom course at Red Mountain Resort under partly cloudy skies and good visibility for Friday’s BC Winter Games competition. Snow conditions varied across the course, offering both soft, carvable sections in the sun and more technical, shaded areas that demanded precision. As the day progressed and ruts developed, athletes rose to the challenge — adapting their lines and adjusting their approach with determination.
A key delay before the T-Bar slope tested racers’ focus, but the course crew volunteers worked efficiently between runs to maintain a safe, competitive surface. Their quick efforts kept the race moving smoothly and ensured athletes could push their limits with confidence.
Among the local competitors, Aspen Steen and Ira Laurie-Pouloit of Red Mountain Racers embraced both the competition and the experience. Aspen relied on positive self-talk and trust in her skis to navigate the shifting conditions, finishing 17th overall after sitting 14th following her first run. Ira focused on strong technical cues — especially maintaining pressure on his outside ski — and delivered an impressive 7th-place finish.
“BC Games means meeting new people and having fun, I’m not really here to win,” Ira shared, reflecting the heart of the event. Throughout the day, team jackets lined the hill, racers laughed between runs, and supporters cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines. Backed by nearly 90 dedicated volunteers who began preparations well before race day, the Giant Slalom was a true celebration of resilience, community, and mountain spirit.
Karate Referees Bring Experience and Curiosity
By Caleb Reid
At the Stanley Humphrey venue, the focus wasn’t only on competition, but also on the officials guiding it. Senior referee Chris Wilkinson has dedicated 40 years to karate, a journey that began when his parents offered him a choice between hockey and martial arts. He chose karate — and never looked back. Now, he continues to advance his craft with the goal of earning his PKF license.
Wilkinson believes officiating requires more than rule knowledge. His advice: “Be curious, not judgemental.” That mindset shapes how he approaches athletes and competition alike.
Junior referee Santiago represents the next generation of officials. Signed up for karate at just three years old, he has stayed committed ever since. As a referee, he explains, vigilance is key — staying alert to ensure fairness and safety in every match.
Together, the referees reflect the dedication and continuity within the sport, blending decades of experience with youthful commitment to support athletes at the BC Winter Games.
More Than Medals at the Biathlon Range
By Karlie Shaughnessy
Under winter skies at the Black Jack Ski Club Biathlon Range at Hanna Creek, young athletes tested their endurance and focus in Friday’s competition. Combining cross-country skiing with rifle marksmanship, biathlon demands both stamina and composure — and competitors rose to the occasion.
In the girls’ race, Maisie Hoehn of Prince George (Zone 8) captured gold in 16:05.87. “It’s been a great experience meeting new people,” she said, noting she would gladly return to compete in the area. Silver went to Nara Bird of Kimberley (Zone 1), while Mika Verstragte (Zone 2) claimed bronze.
In the boys’ competition, Marcus Par of Kelowna (Zone 2) earned gold with a time of 14:52.05. Emphasizing the experience over results, he encouraged future athletes to “enjoy the moment.” Spencer Burkholder (Zone 5) and Leo Markson (Zone 2) rounded out the podium.
Across both divisions, athletes spoke of friendships formed and pride in representing their zones — reminders that the Games are about connection as much as competition.
Sprint Racing Brings Speed and Resilience to Black Jack
By Ed Garlinge
The atmosphere at Black Jack Ski Club was electric as the skate sprint event delivered thrilling side-by-side racing. Athletes edged around corners and fought for position with focus and determination, creating an action-packed day on the snow.
Amelia Legut-Peterson of Caledonia Nordic (Zone 8) said the most rewarding part was “meeting new friends and just hanging out.” She candidly described the mental challenge of being passed mid-race, highlighting the resilience required in sprint competition.
Coach Scott Comeau of Hollyburn Ski Club (Zone 5) emphasized the unpredictability of sprinting, where broken poles or sudden falls can change everything. “You’ve just got to get back up and keep going,” he said. Hollyburn athletes Luca Zimmerman and Owen Elliott echoed that perseverance is key.
Beyond the speed and strategy, what stood out most was the camaraderie — athletes bonding through shared challenges and celebrating one another’s efforts long after crossing the finish line.
Hometown Gold Headlines Free Technique Sprint
By Karlie Shaughnessy
Fast skis and tight finishes defined the Free Technique 400m Sprint at Black Jack Ski Club, but one victory carried special meaning. Fourteen-year-old Emily Olineck of Rossland (Zone 1) captured gold in the 2011 Girls category on her home trails.
“Fun, hard and exciting,” she said of her race, adding that representing Rossland at a hometown Games made it especially meaningful. Teammate Mika Saban earned bronze, while Zetta Vines (Zone 5) took silver.
Strong performances continued across categories, with standout finishes from Zones 1, 2, and 5. In the 2012 Boys final, Mateo Colvin of Revelstoke (Zone 2) secured silver, later sharing that the day was about “having fun with friends and meeting new people.” His mother, Julie Matteau, described watching him podium as “pure pride.”
The sprint finals showcased not only speed and precision, but sportsmanship and gratitude — athletes thanking parents and volunteers who made the day possible.
Leadership and Team Spirit Shine in Artistic Gymnastics
By Kai Markin
The RSS gymnasium buzzed with excitement as Women’s Artistic Gymnastics concluded with medal presentations. Before podium honours, three athletes received the BC Games Leadership Bursary, presented by BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Anne Kang. The $500 award recognizes excellence in academics, sport, and community leadership.
Level 7 all-around medals were awarded to Leah Takaoka (Zone 4, bronze), Nicole Matus (Zone 5, silver), and Linnea Jones (Zone 6, gold). In Level 8 and overall team standings, Zone 4 claimed gold, Zone 5 silver, and Zone 6 bronze.
The ceremony celebrated not only athletic achievement but dedication beyond the gym floor — leadership, volunteerism, and commitment to growth in sport and community.
Rhythmic Gymnastics Opens with Artistry and Energy
By Sam Auger
Day one of rhythmic gymnastics at Glenmerry Elementary showcased creativity, precision, and vibrant performances. Sparkling costumes and colourful routines filled the floor as athletes from Zones 2, 3, 5, and 6 demonstrated flexibility and poise.
Individual routines without apparatus highlighted technical skill and expressive performance quality. Later, group routines incorporated balls and hoops, demanding synchronization and teamwork.
Keke Lau shared that her favourite part of the sport is “the artistry, routines, and costumes,” a sentiment reflected in the enthusiastic performances throughout the afternoon.
With strong showings across all zones, the event set an exciting tone for the remainder of the competition.
Energy and Banana Suits at the Curling Club
By Kailey Reinhard
The stands at the Trail Curling Club were packed as Men’s and Women’s teams competed in high-energy matchups. Shouts of “hard!” and “whoa!” echoed across the ice as sweepers brushed intensely and skips directed strategy.
Adding flair to the atmosphere were four fathers from Chilliwack dressed in bright yellow banana suits — a playful nod to the curling term “peel.” Their spirited support brought smiles while underscoring the strong community behind the athletes.
On the ice, Zone 6 teams dominated early, securing decisive wins of 12–0 (men) and 17–0 (women) over Zone 7. Meanwhile, Zones 2 and 3 battled through tighter contests, with late-game heroics deciding outcomes. Even in defeat, teams remained positive, already looking ahead to their next opportunity for gold.
Grace and Grit at Beaver Valley Arena
By Kailey Reinhard
Sequins sparkled and blades carved clean lines into the ice at Beaver Valley Arena during Friday’s figure skating events. Crowds of family and friends filled the stands as athletes prepared during six-minute warm-ups, fine-tuning jumps and spins.
In the Prenovice Women’s Short Program, Alexis Chan (Zone 4) delivered a poised and confident performance to claim first place. Though a few falls occurred, skaters demonstrated resilience, quickly rising and continuing their routines.
The Prenovice Men’s event saw Charles Prothero-Brooks earn top honours with a smooth, confident skate, while Kevin Liu energized the arena with expressive choreography. The Juvenile Men’s Freeskate capped the day with storytelling and athleticism beyond the athletes’ years.
From glittering costumes to emotional performances, the event blended grace and grit — leaving the audience applauding long after the final pose.
