Its all in the family at beach volleyball

It was a family affair on the sand for Team BC as the beach volleyball finals played out on the sand today at Snye Park. Siblings Quinci and Liam Birker (Kelowna) and Darby and Devon Dunn (South Surrey) together with their parents travel as a pack.  The girls, Quinci and Darby, and the boys, Liam and Devon, have been playing together for several years despite living four hours apart.  

The bond between the families is evident with both sets of parents travelling to support their children in Fort McMurray. Devon Dunn even shared his sunglasses after Quinci Brieker broke hers during practice.  The guys never wavered in their support.

Devon said, “I’m confident they are going to take this.  They are ready.” 

Quinci Birker and Darby Dunn dominated Alberta throughout the match taking the first set 21-12 and the second 21 – 15 to take the gold medal.

“We were a little nervous going into the game, especially watching our brothers” admits Quinci. “But we felt good, and played our game,” said Darby.

When asked about the Games experience, both girls immediately identified the venue and volunteers as highlights.  Volunteer Agnes Aleman from Fort McMurray was a stand out for both girls.

“All of the volunteers are just so sweet,” says Darby.  Quinci went on, “But there is one (Agnes) who was cheering for us every game, giving us high fives and shook our hands after the game.  She was just awesome!”

It was clear the feeling was mutual.  When asked how she felt about the Birker-Dunn team;

“They have good placement, they are very wise and can really spike it!” an enthusiastic Aleman said.  “They serve really well and deserved to win the gold! I am so proud of them!”

While the girls served up gold, their brothers took the silver.  The male duo met Alberta for the second time in the tournament, losing both sets 21 -13 and 21 – 19 respectively.  

“We felt good going in, once we stepped onto the court the nerves set in,” Devon Dunn said.  “And it’s hard to control.  Today we just didn’t have our best game,” admitted Liam Birker.