Nelson paddler Heather Potkins (left) and her coach Lauren Heckley take a break from the water. Potkins will be competing in sprint canoe with Team B.C. at the Canada Summer Games.       Photo submitted

Nelson paddler Heather Potkins (left) and her coach Lauren Heckley take a break from the water. Potkins will be competing in sprint canoe with Team B.C. at the Canada Summer Games. Photo submitted

Paddler invited to Canada Summer Games

Heather Potkins will compete with Team B.C. in Winnipeg

A Nelson paddler will be cutting through the waves at the Canada Summer Games.

Heather Potkins was chosen to compete for Team B.C. in sprint canoe at the Games, which take place July 28 to August 13 in Winnipeg.

The 16 year old, who competes with the Nelson Kayak and Canoe Club, was just one of five female canoe athletes to be included on the team following a trials event in Kamloops in May.

Potkins was previously offered training by Canoe Kayak B.C. as an athlete the provincial organization believes could eventually compete at national-level events.

The Games take place every four years and feature athletes under 21 years old.

Nelson Star