This weekend, athletes in close to two dozen sports will gather in Nanaimo to participate in the BC Summer Games.
For many, like Oak Bay athlete Liam Gatensby, it will be their first foray into high level athletic competition.
For many teens, it will be the start of an athletic career that will take them on from the BC Summer Games to the Western Canada Games to the Canada Games, and for some, the Olympics.
They will remember this summer as the time their journey started.
For some, the BC Summer Games will be their only opportunity to participate in a multi-game event. But they, too, will remember their experiences at the Games for a lifetime.
It’s difficult for the News to ascertain just how many of young Oak Bay athletes will be participating in this year’s BC Summer Games, but we know their excitement and anticipation are certainly outweighed by the dedication and hard work put in by them throughout the year.
Like Liam, most of our young athletes keep their grades up and contribute to our community in a variety of ways.
We should be proud of their commitment to sport and the time they give to do their best.
Sport gives kids many opportunities in life, it teaches them life-lessons, not just about winning and losing, but about the value of hard work and effort.
It can also present educational and travel opportunities that will further enrich their lives.
To our Oak Bay BC Summer Games athletes, we say go out there and give it all you’ve got. Win or lose, you already make us proud.
