British Columbia鈥檚 best young athletes are gathering in Vernon for the 2012 BC Winter Games. Attending the Feb. 24-26 event is an 18-person contingent from the Comox Valley.
"These athletes are the best in their respective age categories and sports, and among them may be future Olympians and Paralympians," a Games' spokesperson said.
"BC Games alumni who represented Canada at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games include gold medalists Maelle Ricker (snowboarding), Denny Morrison (speedskating) and Vernon native Josh Dueck (para-alpine skiing)."
According to the BC Games website, the following Comox Valley participants are attending as members of the Zone 6 (Vancouver Island-Central Coast) team:
Comox: Greg Ladret (figure skating, head coach), Louise Gauthier (female hockey, head coach), Nancy Victoria (female hockey, adult supervisor), Ashlee Labbe (karate, athlete), Oliver Barry (cross-country skiing, athlete), Sally Brown (cross-country skiing, athlete), Morgan Meckert (cross-country skiing, athlete), Michael Benisky (freestyle skiing, athlete).
Courtenay: Ryan Longacre (karate, athlete), Adam Meyer (karate, athlete), Todd Robertson (karate, head coach), Danielle Robertson (karate, athlete), Pam Ross (karate, assistant coach), Calvin Cotton (alpine skiing, athlete), Taylor Nixon Smith (alpine skiing, athlete), Kylie Adebar (cross-country skiing, athlete), Berend Henckel (cross-country skiing, assistant coach), Stewart Walker (freestyle skiing, athlete).
Representing eight zones across the province, the 2012 BC Winter Games feature 1,145 athletes, 292 coaches and 160 technical officials. The athletes range in age from nine years old in figure skating to 17 years old in netball and hockey (female). Athletes with a disability range in age from 13-40 years old and will compete in para cross-country skiing.
Volunteers in Vernon have been planning for almost two years to host participants and guests from across the province. Participants will be officially welcomed to the BC Winter Games Thursday night at the Opening Ceremony taking place at the Wesbild Centre. Sport competitions begin Feb. 24 with 15 sports hosted at venues throughout Vernon including Silver Star Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre. The Games conclude Feb. 26.
As B.C.鈥檚 largest winter multi-sport event and showcase of athleticism, the BC Games inspire athletes to pursue their athletic dreams. 鈥淰ernon is a passionate sport community and the over 2,000 community volunteers will ensure the young athletes will be able to achieve their personal best,鈥� said Kelly Mann, president and CEO of the BC Games Society.
2012 BC Winter Games information including results can be found at and .
