Some outstanding performances by Richmond athletes helped Team B.C. dominate at the recent Western Canada Games in Kamloops
B.C. produced its most impressive medal haul in recent history, earning medals in every sport. B.C. captured 130 gold, 68 silver and 63 bronze medals -- an increase of 32 percent on its output at the 2007 Games.
"This is an amazing performance by Team B.C.," said Irene Schell, Team B.C. Chef de Mission. "This proves that B.C.'s sport system, which receives funding from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, and includes provincial sport organizations, multi-sport organizations and sport partners, is doing an incredible job helping athletes achieve personal best performances and to reach their podium potential. It also gives coaches the tools and resources they need to do their job. Team B.C. is a team effort and this is a tremendous team result."
In the pool, Richmond's Luke Reilly made a big splash -- winning five medals including four gold. It was also a productive meet for Nicolaas Dekker who won six medals, including one gold and two silvers. The medal haul didn't stop there as Caitlin Quon added a silver and bronze.
A memorable 2011 continued for soccer standouts Summer Clarke and Justine Do who helped B.C. win gold. The Richmond Red Hot Selects teammates have already won the U16A provincial cup and will be heading to Calgary in October for the nationals. In men's soccer, Liam Doig and Justin Turner-Pearce helped B.C. win silver.
McMath teammates Kristen Almhjell and Juliana Kaufmanis were members of B.C.'s gold medal winning women's volleyball team. Harjun Gill and Tomasi Vataiki won rugby gold, while Gabrielle Jayme and Caitlin Gordon did the same in women's field hockey.
Kelly Jackson was a force in rowing with three gold medals. Curtis Chan helped B.C win the men's golf competition and also finish third in individual play. Amanda Odorico and Taylor Nomura won gold in women's softball. Jeff Shih and Colyn Maricle captured bronze in men's fastpitch.
B.C. also dominated on the basketball court with Arnold Macalipay a member of the gold medal winning men's team. The squad was coached by RC Palmer's Brian Meier.
In racquet sports, Duncan Yao won gold in badminton and Felix Fan added two in tennis as B.C. dominated all events.
In athletics, Nathan Andrew sprinted to a pair of silver medals, while throwing standout Angus Taylor won two gold and a bronze medal. Emma Kimoto rounded out the medal haul with a bronze in high jump.
