Cowichan’s Brayden Zuback wins W.R. Bennett Award at 2026 BC Summer Games

Father and son share special moment at 2026 BC Summer Games

KELOWNA, B.C. — North Cowichan’s Brayden Zuback was recognized with the W.R. Bennett Award after winning a pair of gold medals in his individual (55kg) and team events at the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games.

Asked who deserved the biggest thank you for his success at the Games, Brayden’s answer came without hesitation. “My dad.” His father, Nick, served as the coach of the Zone 6 – Vancouver Island team.

The W.R. Bennett Award for Athletic Excellence is the BC Games’ most prestigious honour, recognizing exceptional athletic achievement and leadership. Named after former premier Bill Bennett, who established the BC Games in 1978, it includes a $2,500 bursary to support the recipient’s future athletic or educational pursuits.

For Brayden, his success came down to preparation and the people around him.

Brayden has established himself as one of B.C.’s top young wrestlers through his outstanding leadership, work ethic, and accomplishments on and off the mat. He is a three-time BC High School Champion and has earned an impressive five gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal at National Championships.

An avid volunteer with his sport and in his community, he was recently honoured with the Inspirational Leadership Award by his club and was recognized as Junior Athlete of the Year by his high school.

“I think just working with my team, consistent practices, and working hard,” he said.

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For Nick, the Games marked his fourth time coaching, but his first opportunity to watch his own son achieve one of the province’s highest honours.

“It’s a great experience,” he said. “It’s a little bit more when you’re able to coach your own child and watch them succeed and achieve their goals.

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

While the pair celebrated a memorable weekend on the wrestling mats, Nick also recognized the volunteers whose efforts helped keep the Games running despite challenging conditions caused by wildfire smoke.

“They stepped up well and still put on an amazing Games,” he said. “If we needed something, they were there and just made our experience that much better. So thank you to all the volunteers.”

The father-and-son milestone reflects the heart of the BC Games Society and the  Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games, celebrating athletic excellence while creating lifelong memories through sport, mentorship, and community.