The 2009 Canada Games opened on Saturday in Prince Edward Island with a definitely Nanaimo flavour to it.
Hundreds of athletes from Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories are competing in 18 sports. Nanaimo and the mid-Island region is well-represented with 20 people involved over the two weeks.
This week, Nanaimo’s Ted Neilson suits up with the Team B.C. men’s basketball squad while Lantzville rowers Spencer Crowley and Jason Cartwright hit the water.
The rugby competition goes this week with Ladysmith’s John Cavers and Tye Hamblin while Port Alberni’s Michael Cappus goes to the mat in men’s wrestling.
In week two of the competition, athletics is a highlight with four mid-Islanders competing, including Nanaimo’s Emmalynne MacCorquodale, Parksville’s Alycia Butterworth and Brooke Pighin and Laura MacAuley from Port Alberni. Nanaimo Track and Field Club coach Allen Johnston is a coach for Team B.C.
Baseball is well-represented with current and former Nanaimo Premier Pirates, including Nanaimo’s Cody Chartrand and David Walkling, Ladysmith’s Danny Britton-Foster and Duncan’s Darren Kolk and Steve McKinnon.
In Case You Missed It
Nanaimo’s Nicole Haywood is a medal threat in canoe racing, Matthew Godbeer of Parksville is participating in swimming while Lantzville’s Gerard Walker is team manager in golf and Nanaimo’s Abe Avender is the coach for Team B.C. men’s volleyball squad.
subscribers.
