Thousands of people in Surrey celebrated some of the province’s most promising athletes Sunday as part of the wrap up of the BC Summer Games.
Since Friday, participants have won more than 2,000 medals and broken several records. The average age of the 2,300 athletes who competed in the games was 14, while the youngest competitor was nine-years-old.
For some of athletes, the experience sparked an interest in competing in the Olympics.
“I'm going to try and pursue my dream and become an Olympic athlete,” track competitor Austin Keith said.
Keith wouldn’t be the first person to move on from the BC Summer Games and head to the Olympics. Twenty-five athletes on the Canadian national team set to compete in the London Olympic Games beginning next week once competed in the provincial event.
Of those athletes, shot putter Dylan Armstrong from Kamloops is largely considered one of Canada’s best chances at a medal.
Another BC Summer Games alumnus and medal hopeful is Ryder Hesjedal from Victoria, a 31-year-old who became the first Canadian to win the Giro d’Italia last May.
Many of the junior athletes are using the provincial games as a learning experience.
“If you have an interview after you run, make sure you keep your composure,” track athlete Micah Peters said.
Surrey City Councillor Linda Hepner appreciates how the youngsters can benefit from their participation.
“This is a once in a lifetime experience. This is starting them on a road to real international competition and national competitions,” she said.
With a report from CTV British Columbia’s Bhinder Sajan
