By Sherry Durnford, Hayley Picard, Natasha Horsman
Rowing
Mira Calder, a rower from Zone 6 (Vancouver Island-Central Coast), just received a gold medal, presented by her father, Dave Calder, a four-time Olympic rower and Silver medallist, and current Executive Director of Rowing BC. When asked what inspired her to take up rowing, Mira modestly mentions that her Dad and family have been involved in rowing for a long time. Mira and her rowing partner, Nina Corwin, row out of the Victoria City Rowing Club at Elk Lake. Quite possibly, we're looking at future Olympians.
Volleyball
13-year old Eli Woldringh, volleyball player from Zone 8 (Caribou-North East), has been hanging out in gyms since he was 2 years old. His mom, Lori Slater, has been an athletic trainer, Phys Ed teacher for 18 years, and has coached her kids' sports teams since they were old enough to play. Eli says that his Mom and Coach knows what he does best and helps him improve. Last year, Eli was the only Grade 8 student to make his junior A high school team in Prince George, and he played on the Regional U-15 team last year as a 12-year old. He's one to watch!
Kayak
Brin Nyvall, a paddler from Zone 6 (Vancouver Island - Central Coast), was introduced to the sport four years ago by her brother. Both siblings are participating in the Games this year, with her brother Coaching the Zone 6 team!. Brin took to the water on day 1 of the Games to win a silver medal in the K1 2000 race. She says that the Games have been an incredible experience for her; "not everyone realizes that kayaking is an actual sport, so it's exciting to see everyone here cheering and competing."
These are only a few of the many, MANY inspiring family connections we're discovering at the Cowichan 2018 BC Summer Games!