For rowers Avery Collinson and Natalya Ariano, the BC Summer Games was all about new experiences.

The countdown is on to the 2016 BC Summer Games in Abbotsford.  Participants and volunteers are in their final preparations getting ready for the competition in Abbotsford.

Alexander Matson, 15, of Langley took home a silver in the 100 metre mens rowing race capping off a dominant performance by Fraser Valley.

The Fraser Valley tasted gold twice at the BC Summer Games on Saturday thanks to efforts of Emily Down (Surrey) and Inan Fortin (Coquitlam).

This sport “totally builds confidence, mentorship and role models mixed with all ages” said Robinson. The “kid’s train all year, every night from 6 to 8pm including cardio, swimming, weight training, rock climbing and skiing. In the summer months they are on the lake from 8:30 to 2:30, Monday to Friday” said Robinson.

Fraser Valley Emily Down, gold medal winner, said “Row hard, die happy”, it is her third year of rowing who all their help acknowledged her team and family.