Four lakecity athletes are currently competing in the Nanaimo 2014 BC Summer Games.
Jared Yuill, Dana Rook, Paige Outhouse and Conley Pinette will represent Williams Lake at the Games, which are held annually in B.C. and have involved more than 350,000 participants and volunteers since 1978.
All four athletes are a part of the Cariboo-North East team (zone eight) — one of eight regions represented at the Games.
Yuill is playing box lacrosse for the CNE zone, Rook is participating in the sailing competition, Outhouse is a team member for the CNE’s girls’ soccer team and Pinette — a Canadian youth national champion — will showcase his talents in boys’ water skiing.
The Games began yesterday, July 17, and run until July 20.
The Nanaimo Games will feature more than 2,500 athletes from around B.C.
“The BC Games are an essential component of our sport development system. They provide our promising athletes with an important opportunity to compete against the province’s best, to test their athletic skills and build self confidence,” said Cariboo North MLA and Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, Coralee Oakes.
“These athletes are a tremendous source of pride for British Columbia, some of whom will go on to compete for Team BC at Canada Games and international competitions.
“I wish them all the best of luck.”
The athletes, who are between the ages of 11 and 18, will compete in 19 different sports at venues throughout Nanaimo. Competitions for athletes with a disability are also included with events scheduled in athletics, para-equestrian and swimming.
The athletes will be supported by more than 500 coaches and 300 officials who have earned their certification in order to provide the best knowledge and expertise to athletes and the competition.
Planning for the Games has been underway for the past 18 months and more than 2,800 volunteers will welcome the participants.
“This first multisport Games experience creates a world of possibilities and inspiration for B.C. athletes to take forward in their future sport, education or leadership activities,” said Kelly Mann, president and CEO of the BC Games Society. “Our team of partners and supporters have committed to make the BC Summer Games a success and provide this unique opportunity for thousands of British Columbians.”
BC Games alumni include 2012 Olympic medalists Brent Hayden (swimming) and Carol Huynh (wrestling) as well as professional athletes like Brett Lawrie of the Toronto Blue Jays.
For more on the BC Games, including up-to-date results, visit www.bcgames.org.