Delta Gymnastics was wellrepresented at the Canada Winter Games in Prince George including a bronze medal in the men's team event for Alex Farquharson.
"The experience was simply extraordinary," said Farquharson. "I loved participating in the opening ceremonies with all the kids from Team BC. I got to meet athletes from ringette, women's hockey, alpine skiing and speed skating.
"It was also a great to train and compete with my fellow BC teammates and get to meet and watch athletes from the other provinces. At the ceremonies they featured B.C.'s north, highlighting fishing, wildlife and their northern lifestyle. It was fantastic!" The men's team competition saw each gymnast perform in all six events - vault, floor, bars, pommel horse, rings and parallel bars. The scores were added together for a overall team total. B.C. finished behind gold medalist Ontario, as well as Quebec. Farquharson is now ranked among 20 gymnasts in Canada under 19 years of age.
"We were really proud of Alex's accomplishment at the event. His participation was very important for his development as he can see what other athletes are doing and what he is required to do to reach his goals," said Mike Hood Sr., Delta's men's artistic gymnastics program coordinator.
Hood was one of four Delta coaches selected to participate as judges in both the men's and women competitions at
the Games. He was joined by women's artistic gymnastics program coordinator Jennifer Dober, women's coach and operations manager Chris Sheremeta and men's coach and board member Mike Hood Jr.
Dober also happens to be a highly ranked judge.
"I was so amazed by the spirit of the Prince George community, everyone was so into the Games, proud to show off their city, their venues, their activities and events," she said. "There were many volunteers all immersed in the spirit of sports and they were so eager to help!" Dober referred to the Motor Pool, which was a driving service for athletes and Games' officials. "When I had time off from judging, I was able to attend a speed skating session and also go cross country skiing. It was a great perk."
"It is great for us to be able to meet with national and international judges from our sport and also other coaches, athletes and sport administrators from all across our country," added Hood Sr. "We are able to receive an update on recent changes, which is extremely beneficial to us to continue to develop as coaches and judges."
There were plenty of chances to observe many of the country's up-and-coming athletes with the Games serving as a launching point towards earning national team status.
"I was really impressed with some very young athletes who were delivering excellent
performances. Men usually peak in their mid to late 20s, but some of these boys were incredible," said Sheremeta.
"We were all very impressed with Team Quebec both in men's and women's gymnastics. They
operated as one, they cheered and supported each other, you could see how comfortable they were with each other. It speaks volumes of a team that can work as a tight and cohesive unit who push each other to compete
harder." Delta Gymnastics is located in Ladner and offers a variety of programs for children 18 months to adults. To register for a program or for information please visit www.deltagymnastics.com
