A handful of young athletes from Sylvan Lake had the chance to represent Zone 4 during the Alberta Winter Games held in Grand Prairie from Feb. 16-19.
Each of the athletes represented their zone in a different sport with Nicolas Crooks representing in badminton, Elyssa Erickson in hockey, Hailey Heil in figure skating, Zakary Lowry in alpine skiing and Victoria Tensen in archery.
“I feel like being part of the winter games was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I was proud to be able to be a part of it,” Lowry said.
“Competing at this event is something I will always remember. Receiving a gold medal was pretty exciting. I’m very proud of how I shot and grateful for all the people who supported me,” Tensen said.
“This year I got to play with a lot of people I haven’t played with before because I made a different team this year and it was really fun to get to go with all those girls,” Erickson said.
“My overall experience at the Alberta Winter Games was filled with excitement and the building of new friendships. I will take my experience with me as I grow and develop in the sport I love,” Heil added.
During the games, each of the young athletes was facing off against the best in the province in their particular sport.
“I played my best and played against very dedicated athletes just like me. I am happy I got to participate individually and with my team. I am proud of how far we have come as a group and as friends,” Crooks said.
The Town of Sylvan Lake couldn’t be prouder of the talented youth, Mayor Megan Hanson said.
“We admire their dedication and commend them for representing our community with such excellence in their respective sports.”
For the youth, the support of family and friends from home meant a great deal to them during the event.
“I feel like my friends and family in Sylvan Lake cheered me on well, and I think I wouldn’t have done nearly as good if I didn’t know that these people had my back,” Lowry said.
With many of the athletes from Sylvan Lake, their journey to the games also wouldn’t have been possible without the teams they play for or the dedication of their coaches.
“The Red Deer Youth Badminton Club that I train with was very supportive. They held extra practices for our team in Red Deer but also in Didsbury. Our coach was very dedicated to preparing us for the games,” Crooks said.
“I wouldn’t be where I am without the support and guidance of my coach Patti Somer and my parents,” Heil who is a member of the Red Deer Figure Skating Club said.
All five athletes have plans to continue in their sport with Lowry set to finish off his skiing season this year by competing in the regional finals in Jasper, Crooks by participating in the Francophone Games held in Lac La Biche in May, Erickson by participating in spring hockey, Heil by taking part in the Alberta StarSkate Champions being held from March 15-17 in Edmonton and Tensen by attending the Canada Cup West in Manitoba at the beginning of June.
“I will also be participating in the National 3D and Target competitions in New Brunswick this August. The Canada Cup West in Manitoba and the National 3D and Target competitions will help me achieve my goal of attending Youth Worlds in 2025 and competing for Team Canada,” Tensen said.