For the Advance
What does judo teach you? Sportsmanship, mastery of oneself, patience, and perseverance. And what better way to evaluate oneself than during the BC Winter Games?
This year’s games were hosted in Quesnel, BC. Five athletes from Creston and Invermere represented the Zone 1 Kootenay judo team, forming the Tiny but Mighty team.
One of the Creston athletes, Noah Watson, experienced a broken foot while training for the games and was unable to travel with the team.
The team’s sole early bloomer, Konnor Cavanagh, from Invermere took on the challenge this year of training and competing above his regular age bracket. Although Konnor did not bring home any medals his teammates and coaches beamed with pride over his strong and determined performance on the mats and his team spirit off the mats.
The other three athletes from Creston — Tiang Tanapima, Elisha Moore and Kaitlyn Sandoval — traveled together to the BC Winter Games for their second time.
Tiang Tanapima had one of the largest weight divisions leaving no room for error. Tiang sadly finished the two days of tournament with no medals after double elimination rounds.
Elisha Moore and Kaitlyn Sandoval both came home with silver medals in the individual tournament.
These young ladies worked amazingly hard all weekend to be the best versions of themselves. Everyone knows losing is hard, but we sometimes forget the burden to win with grace. These amazing young people showed maturity to grow and be anything they desire.
Judo BC encourages mentorship for up-and-coming coaches and Zone 1 Kootenays was privileged to have two junior coaches on our roster. Cassia Riches stepped up to coach the female team and Lenni Stich coached the male team. Both young adults rose to the challenge and radiated perfection. Sharing their past experiences, participating in warmups, and motivating the athletes with helpful competition tips.
Lenni and Cassia were invaluable in helping head coach, Laura Knudsen, from beginning to end of the games. No matter where life takes these two young adults, they will always be welcome on any team I coordinate.