At least 13 local athletes will be showcasing their sport of choice during the Alberta Summer Games in Lethbridge this July 26 to 29.
Seven canoe and kayakers, three swimmers, two track stars and a rugby player have been chosen to represent Zone 4 which covers from Rocky Mountain House east to Coronation and north to Camrose and Wetaskiwin. One softball player, Jenetta Rutherford, will play for Zone 1. “She's a smart ball player,” said coach Carey MacDonald of the bantam star. He said she's a catcher and plays first but she can be put anywhere because she “gives 100 per cent.”
He said the Innisfail bantam team is full of motivated, strong players and was happy to see one of his players get the chance to play at the provincial competition.
Rutherfod gets a chance to play for Zone 1 which covers Lethbridge east to Medicine Hat and north to Arrowwood. Positions in Zone 4 were filled but spaces were needed down south.
Meanwhile, the water sports will see a strong representation of swimmers with Justin Valentine from Bowden competing in the 200, 400 and 800m free, 100m back and 100m breast, 100m individual medley and the 4x100m medley relay. Josh Gette from Innisfail will compete in the 50 and100m free, 50,100 and 200m back, 200 individual medley, 4x100m free relay and 4x100m medley relay. Sarah Gette will swim the 50 and 100m back, 50 and 100m fly, 100 individual medley, 200m individual medley and the 4x100m medley relay.
The canoe and kayakers from the Cottonwood Kayak Club will be the largest group of representatives from Innisfail.
Darius and Alexander Ramrattan, Katrina and Shannon Wagers, Katie and Hannah Hendrickson and Jonathon Reimer will all compete in the three-part canoe and kayak event. The first day players will compete in a canoe and kayak polo tournament with all zones in a round robin with a playoff at the end. The second component of the competition will have the slalom races where they have to navigate through gates. The final component is the down river race.
“This is something we'll be working towards all summer,” said coach Levi Severtson, who has himself competed in the summer games three times. He said the experience is invaluable for the athletes, giving them a chance to meet new people and develop their skills.
In track and field, Brayden Posyluzny will compete in the 100 and 200m sprint, the 4x100m relay, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus and javelin for males under 15. Mackenzie Ramsell will compete in the under 15 girls 100 and 200m, long jump and high jump.
Mischa Maree will play on the male rugby team.
The summer games showcase Alberta's youth in sport and culture with more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials involved in 15 different sports.
The above-mentioned athletes were on the most current list provided as of June 22 from the Alberta Summer Games website.
