Eighteen Richmond athletes have been named to Team BC for the 2019 Canada Winter Games which begin in Red Deer.
Competition will take place in 21 sports against teams from Canada’s 13 provinces and territories. Over half of Team BC’s 251 athletes and coaches have previously competed at the BC Winter or BC Summer Games bringing with them valuable multi-sport Games experience.
The Richmond contingent heading to Alberta includes:
Squash: Gabriel Yun, James Toth, Quan Ng, Sarah Cao, Cindy Cao.
Badminton: Wendy Zhang, Kevin Luo, Katie Ngai.
Judo: Kaleigh Takara Kuramoto, Ian Ryder.
Ringette: Hailey Takasaki.
Table Tennis: David Hong Lin.
Gymnastics: Ella Jalandoon.
Hockey: Michael Abgrall, Katie Chan, Kate Reilly.
Figure Skating: Wesley Chiu, David Li.
Team B.C. Staff: Zhenyu Qi (badminton), Stephanie Rudnisky (Mission Staff), Toby Ng (badminton).
Team BC finished third behind Quebec (141 medals) and Ontario (111 medals) at the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George with 88 medals - 21 gold, 34 silver, and 33 bronze.
“I can’t tell you how proud I am to lead a group of dedicated athletes, coaches and sport staff to the 2019 Canada Winter Games,” said Jennifer Scott, Team BC - Chef de Mission. “We have done all we can to prepare our team. Now it’s their turn to put all that practice into competition. I’m excited to watch our team perform at the Games.”
Many high-level athletes have launched their athletic careers through the BC Games and Team BC. At the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games, 19 Team BC alumni were part of Team Canada.
The ceremonial uniforms for Team BC include a scarf designed by Indigenous contemporary artist, Jamin Zuroski.
The 2019 Winter Games Team BC totem is comprised of three Indigenous West Coast totem figures: the Eagle, Bear and Orca. As well as the scarf, Zuroski’s design is incorporated into a totem puzzle pin for all athletes, coaches and support staff. Other winter gear includes jackets, shirts, toques and mittens.
