Saturday Recap: Family, Heart, and Giving Back

Saturday at the 2026 BC Summer Games was a day defined by connection. From a father and son celebrating gold together on the wrestling mat, to a young athlete embracing every lesson a tough opponent could teach her, to a proud mom watching her daughter push through with a smile, the stories coming out of Kelowna proved that this event is about so much more than medals. Even off the field of play, the spirit of the Games shone through, as an 11-year-old volunteer spent her day making sure athletes had everything they needed to succeed. Here’s a look back at some of the moments that made Saturday one to remember.

Father and Son Share Award-Winning Moment at BC Summer Games

Miaad Nabizadeh | Wrestling (Male)

For Vancouver Island wrestler Brayden Zubak, winning gold at the 2026 BC Summer Games was a memorable achievement. Sharing the moment with his father and coach, Nick Zubak, made it unforgettable. Together, the pair were also recognized with the prestigious W.R. Bennett Award for Athletic Excellence, honouring outstanding athletic performance, sportsmanship, and dedication.

Brayden credits his success to the work put in long before stepping onto the mat.

“I think just working with my team, consistent practices, and working hard,” he said. When asked who he wanted to thank, his answer came quickly: “My dad. He’s my coach, and he’s helped me.”

For Nick, this marked his fourth BC Games as a coach, but coaching his own son made the experience especially meaningful.

“To watch them succeed and achieve their goals, and be awarded not just with a gold but with the W.R. Bennett Award, is an amazing feat,” he said. “You know how much work and effort and time they put in, and to see it pay off… words can’t explain how amazing it is.”

Nick also praised the volunteers who helped make the Games a success despite challenging wildfire smoke.

“They stepped up well and still put on an amazing Games. They made our experience that much better. So thank you to all the volunteers.”

Gold Medal for Local Wrestler

Miaad Nabizadeh | Wrestling (Female

Winning a gold medal was a proud moment for Kate Beutelspacher, but the North Okanagan-Thompson wrestler says the biggest takeaway from the 2026 BC Summer Games was the opportunity to learn.

Competing in the 46-kilogram division, Kate earned gold after facing an opponent she described as “very strong,” “very intimidating,” and “so fast.”

“I feel like it was a great learning experience,” she said.

Kate credits her introduction to wrestling to her high school coach, Mr. Seed, whose encouragement inspired her to step onto the mat.

When asked who inspires her today, her answer reflected the sportsmanship on display throughout the Games.

“I really admire any of my opponents because I love how they seem like they know what they’re doing all the time,” she said with a laugh.

Her humility and respect for fellow competitors embody the spirit of the BC Summer Games, where athletes challenge themselves, learn from one another, and celebrate every opportunity to grow through sport.

Lessons Beyond the Track: A Mother’s Perspective

Camilla Allen-Barker | Athletics (Female)

The grandstands at the Apple Bowl echoed with encouragement Saturday as athletes from across British Columbia competed in track and field events.. Among the proud parents cheering from the stands was Marguerite Coley, watching her daughter Emma represent Zone 6 in the U16 100-, 200-, and 300-metre races.

Marguerite said Emma arrived in Kelowna after a strong season, earning top-five and top-six finishes at school and provincial competitions. The lingering heat and humidity were challenging for athletes. She credits Emma’s positive attitude, and the support of friends and teammates, with helping her adapt.

“She planned well and had a really good season both at the school and provincial levels,” Marguerite said. “The heat and humidity affected Emma, but she kept a positive vibe and being surrounded by good energy and motivated friends helped with the transition.”

For Marguerite, the biggest lessons from athletics extend well beyond the finish line. She believes sport has helped Emma develop endurance, resilience, leadership, self-awareness, stability, discipline, and strong time-management skills.

“Emma could have pulled out, but she didn’t. She came to do a job and she did it.”

A Young Volunteer Making a Big Difference

Camilla Allen-Barker

As athletes chased personal bests around the Apple Bowl on Saturday, young volunteer Anais was making sure they had everything they needed to do the same.

Stationed trackside, Anais spent the day helping athletes stay hydrated during a busy schedule of track and field events. It was her first BC Summer Games, but not her first experience giving back.

Anais said she decided to volunteer after seeing other young people step up at community events. Having benefited from volunteers herself while participating in sports, she wanted the opportunity to return the favour.

“Others have volunteered and served me when I’ve participated in various events, so I know what it feels like to receive help,” she said.

Anais embraced the opportunity to meet new people and support athletes from across the province. Outside the Games, she also volunteers regularly at her school and church, building a record of service she’s proud of.

For Anais, volunteering is about encouraging more young people to get involved.

“You should really do it,” she said. “Volunteering is something very fun. You can’t say you don’t like it if you’ve never tried it. So, just go for it!”

Wrapping up Saturday

Whether it was a father watching his son’s hard work pay off, a young wrestler embracing the challenge of facing a tough competitor, or a young volunteer showing up to give back to her community, Saturday reminded everyone in Kelowna what the BC Summer Games are truly about. Behind every result is a story of family, growth, and generosity, and those stories are what will stay with athletes, coaches, and volunteers long after the medals are handed out. Thank you to everyone who made Saturday another unforgettable day at the 2026 BC Summer Games.