FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2017
CANOE/KAYAK TEAM EARN 15 MEDALS BRINGING TEAM BC’S TOTAL COUNT TO 17
Eight Wrestlers to Compete for Medals, 19U Female Softball and Basketball Teams Remain Undefeated
Toronto, ON – Team BC’s Canoe/Kayak team had a stellar first day of competition, earning 15 medals for Team BC bringing the total count to 17. William Wyse won two gold medals in his NAIG debut while Kristine Edgar and Ivan Morris both took bronze in the 3000m kayak event. Brandyn Chappell, a NAIG veteran who won three gold and three bronze at the 2014 Games is aiming high in Toronto “I know I’ve gotten stronger so I’m ready to push myself to and past my limits,” said Brandyn, who will compete Wednesday. The Canoe/Kayak team have two more days of competition.
An incredible day of competition for Team BC’s Wrestlers with eight athletes moving on to final matches tomorrow. Daniel Coels, Mayben Crabbe, Ottis Crabbe, Morgan Dagenais, Tristina Howse, Jayden Iversen, Kye Mills, and Ethan Parkinson will all compete for medals. “Their support for one another was most inspiring,” said Head Coach Rob Smyth of his team’s performance today.
The 19U female softball team remains undefeated after a blowout game against Team Manitoba with a final score of 14-0. “I am thrilled with how our team is playing,” stated Head Coach Michelle Webster. “The team has great chemistry and we’re looking forward to our next game.”
The 19U male softball team had a great game, defeating Team Alberta with a final score of 13-5; while the 16U male and female teams both lost to their opponents.
The basketball courts remained action-packed with Team BC winning 5 out of 6 games. The 14U, 16U, 19U male teams and 16U female team are going into their third day of competitions undefeated. The 16U males are 4 and 0, and it’s easy to see why with players like Kalem Wilson playing through an injury to earn top scorer in their second game.
The U16 Male Soccer team had a great performance with a 7-0 win against Team Ontario, despite the hot and humid weather and game delays. The 19U female team won their match against Team Wisconsin 2-0 with great plays between Danessa Dandurand and Chrystal Laughren.
Alex Webber, 19U Male Golfer, leads after the first day of competition, shooting four under par at Humber Valley Golf Course – the only golfer to score under par today. “I hit the ball well and kept my errors to a minimum,” Alex said. “If I can maintain it I will be happy!” Brett Greenman also had a great day in the 19U category, shooting 89. In the 17U male division, Taylor Kaban sits in third place going into day two of competition. Caytlyn Luke is currently in fifth after her first round with a total of 69.
Team BC’s rifle shooters had a strong second day of 3P competition. Head Coach, Nicole Gerow, is pleased with the team’s performance, stating, “Team BC’s targets today looked really good and we have definitely shaken off the first day jitters.” Official results are expected to be posted tomorrow. Day one of Prone Position competition will begin Wednesday at 10:00AM (EST).
The 19U Male Lacrosse team walked away with a 24-6 win over Wisconsin and the 16U male team defeated Team Alberta 6-3 in their second game of the day after taking a difficult loss to Team New York, losing 10-5.
Team BC’s 19U Female Lacrosse team took a tough loss against Eastern Door & the North after a hard-fought game with a final score of 5 to 8. “The team played with a lot of heart and determination today. EDN came out aggressive and hard hitting,” said head coach Savanna Smith. “With every game, the team learns and become better players because of it.”
Badminton players, Jarin Davison and Kyler Wilson, finished strong in their round robin competition at the Toronto Pan Am Sport Centre. Jarin and Kyler played two games, winning the second against Team Northwest Territories. The pair are awaiting official results to find out if they advance to the Quarterfinals tomorrow.
Team BC’s Archery team finished their first day of competition in the compound and traditional categories. The 19U and 16U male and female divisions shot two rounds in morning and afternoon sessions. “It’s early in our competition and our team has a lot to look forward to,” said Team Manager Sonya Jensen. The team’s points will be totaled after day three of competition.
Competition continues tomorrow for 11 of Team BC’s 13 sports.
For more information about Team BC’s NAIG program visit http://isparc.ca/performance-sport/team-bc/north-american-indigenous-games/.
For the most recent schedules, results and live broadcasting information, please visit http://naig2017.to.
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Team BC Background
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is responsible for managing the Team BC Programs for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC). Through the support and oversight of its Team BC Work Group and Provincial Sport Committees, I·SPARC has established a comprehensive Team BC program that includes provincial development programs and selection processes for athletes and coaches that will compete on behalf of British Columbia in national and international competitions. For the 2017 NAIG, over 500 Indigenous athletes and coaches have been selected to represent British Columbia in the following 13 sports: 3D Archery, Athletics (Track & Field, Cross-Country), Badminton, Basketball, Canoe/Kayak, Golf, Lacrosse (Box), Rifle Shooting, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Volleyball, Wrestling.
About the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council
I·SPARC is a consortium of the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, the First Nations Health Authority, and Métis Nation BC. As the stewards of BC’s Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Strategy, I·SPARC works with First Nations, Métis Chartered Communities, Friendship Centres, schools and other sport and physical activity stakeholders to deliver community-based programs designed to promote active lifestyles and support the desire for transformative change in the health and well-being of Indigenous communities, families and individuals across B.C. For more information, please visit: www.isparc.ca.
Media contact:
Justine Johnson
Team BC Communications Manager
jjohnson@isparc.ca
778.899.3234
www.isparc.ca
