When the best soccer players from Vancouver Island take on the rest of the province this summer, Powell River will be there.
Twelve-year old Camryn Cline, a grade seven student at Henderson Elementary, has been selected to compete in the BC Summer Games this July.
Camryn plays mid-field for her house league team in Powell River Youth Soccer and on the Stingers rep team but will take on the position of striker for the Zone Six team which includes players from around Vancouver Island.
There are eight zone teams from regions across the province.
Camryn and her parents have been travelling to Vancouver Island for practices twice a week to prepare for the games.
Nicole, Camryn’s mother, said that while there are a lot of travel expenses, “it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
“We enjoy watching her play the game,” said Nicole, “and we’re along for the ride. This is her dream. Her coach and teammates put the bug in her ear. She wanted to try so we encourage that of course.”
In May, Camryn tried out for the team with many other girls from Powell River, said Nicole.
“She’s enjoying the experience,” said her mother, “and wishes that more of her friends were with her.”
The games this summer run from Thursday, July 17 to 20 and are being hosted by the City of Nanaimo.
Soccer is one of 19 sports included in the games and athletes range in age from 11 to 18 years old. Athletes with a disability compete in athletics, equestrian and swimming events.
“The future of sport in BC is coming to Nanaimo and we are looking forward to seeing these young athletes compete to the best of their ability,” said Kelly Mann, president and chief operating officer of the BC Games Society. “The BC Summer Games are the first step towards national and international level competitions where we see BC Games alumni taking centre stage.”
The BC Games has been the starting point for many athletes who have succeeded at the very highest levels of sport including olympic athletes like swimmer Brent Hayden and wrestler Carol Huynh and Toronto Blue Jays player Brett Lawrie.
For more information about the games, visit their website: bcgames.org
