A Bowden athlete stepped up with a great effort during the 2016 Alberta Summer Games.
Justin Valentine, 15, a swimmer from Bowden, was one of many young athletes in Zone 4 who excelled at the games as one of the top athletes from the area, winning five gold medals and two silver.
“It was probably the best summer games I've had," said Valentine, noting his experience at previous summer games. "I was older and I knew what to expect.”
The summer games took place July 14 to 17 in Leduc.
The former Innisfail Dolphin attends St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School in Innisfail and trains nine or 10 times a week in Red Deer. In addition to his four years with the Dolphins, he was also a member of the Hurricanes water polo club.
"I've been swimming since I was seven and competing since I was 11 years old," he said. "When I was 12 I moved into the winter (swim) club where we train 11 months of the year."
Valentine was recognized for the second time in recent years, with the Bonanza Award – an award given to him by the Catalina Swim Club in Red Deer for his leadership and mentorship roles in the pool.
It was Valentine's third and final summer games, and he was happy with his progress and hard work.
"It's good," said Valentine of his accomplishments at this year's summer games. "In my first year I got no medals because I didn't train very much, but now my training's paid off."
Miles Kydd, Zone 4 chef de mission, was impressed with Valentine's achievements and the effort by all athletes in Zone 4 this year.
“Justin did a special thing,” said Kydd. “He won five of the 38 gold medals that our zone won.”
Zone 4, which includes Innisfail, Bowden and Penhold, finished in fifth place overall but was third in the number of gold medals. The zone came away with 38 gold, 28 silver and 34 bronze medals in the summer games.
“I think that's speaks to the depth of our (Zone 4) team,” said Kydd. “We obviously have a lot of good athletes and I think we did quite well.”
He noted how well all Zone 4 athletes were received by fellow participants, volunteers and officials.
“I received rave reviews from the folks working at the village where the athletes were staying,” said Kydd. “I think our athletes represented themselves, their teams, their families and their zone really well.”
Miles Kyddchef de mission
"I think that speaks to the depth of our (Zone 4) team. We obviously have a lot of good athletes and I think we did quite well."
