17 medals at Athletics on Day 1

Jerome Blake (Kelowna) won his first gold medal at the Western Canada Summer Games in the 100m dash with an outstanding 10.36 time. He explained that there was high tension at the beginning of the race since he knew he was competing against strong competitors. Jerome’s main overall goal is to eventually represent Canada.  Jerome is originally from Jamaica and would like apply for permanent residence so he can qualify for larger events and represent Canada. Jerome said, “The experience is the best part about the Western Canada Summer Games, meeting new people from other provinces and cheering each other on.” Jerome has participated on three team BC teams and this is his first time at the Western Canada Summer Games. He expects to do fairly well overall.

The women’s 1500m came out with one gold and in the men’s 1500, a bronze. In the men’s hammer throw, Sam Willett scored the gold while the Special Olympics athletes all finished with medals including one gold, two silvers and a bronze.

In the evening events, Team BC swiped majority of the medals with one silver and one bronze in the women’s javelin.  18 year old Brittni Wolczyk from Port Coquitlam had a 42.5m throw at the javelin competition today which was good for bronze.

Valda Kaydee Kabia in the women’s 100m dash received silver, while Jerome Blake and Francis Klimo raced to gold and bronze in the mens’ 100m dash.

In wheelchair athletics, Sedrick Skabar came in second place in the 400m receiving a silver medal.