Seven East Kootenay athletes and coaches are part of Team B.C. heading to the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alberta, starting Feb. 15.

Cranbrook’s Rachel Teslak is taking part in hockey, while Dylan Clark-Erlandson will compete in boxing, with coach William Watson at his side.

Fernie freestyle skier Caoimhe Heavey is heading to the games as is alpine skiing coach Montana Molyneux .

Kimberley cross-country skier Molly Miller, Windermere snowboarder Jacob Walper and Creston judoka Brae Booth are also heading to the games, part of a team consisting of 251 athletes, 46 coaches, 29 managers and technical support staff, and 23 mission staff.

Competition will take place in 21 sports against teams from Canada’s 13 provinces and territories.

The ceremonial uniforms for Team BC have also been unveiled and 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.

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.

“Competing at the Canada Winter Games is an exceptional athletic achievement,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “The national stage showcases the talent, dedication and spirit our athletes, coaches and staff have in sport and it gives all of us the opportunity to show our support and cheer them on.”

e-KNOW

Article Share