This has been an incredible week for Island athletes, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“Only two weeks into 2013 and many of our Island athletes have already accomplished milestones in their sport,” said Minister Currie. “As Minister responsible for sport, I want to recognize these outstanding athletes, their commitment, and their respected sports organizations.”
Sue-Ellen McInnis from Charlottetown, a member of Team Canada East, took home gold in the Under-19 World Ringette Championships in London, Ontario. It was the first time since 2002 that Canada has won international gold at this event. McInnis will continue playing with the Nova Scotia Under-19 team and will compete at the Atlantics in February in Moncton, New Brunswick and nationals in April in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
Sarah Steele from Stratford, a member of Team Canada, brought home gold at the Under-18 Women’s World Hockey Championships in Finland. Canada defeated United States 2-1 in overtime in the Championship game. Sarah is a long-time member of the Hockey PEI Program of Excellence and was also a member of Team PEI at the 2011 Canada Winter Games.
Going into 2013, Bedeque’s Carsen Campbell and Hartsville’s Menno Ardendz qualified for the world junior biathlon championship. The two will be part of the eight-member Team Canadian competing in Austria from January 23 to February 1.
Also this past week, 18-year-old twin brothers Jeremy and Joel Watts from Milton, have been named to the Canadian Men’s U23 National wheelchair basketball team. Both athletes have been a member of ParaSport and Recreation PEI’s wheelchair basketball team since they were 10 years old. They will attend the Americas Qualification Tournament in Mexico, March 11-17, 2013 for the upcoming Men’s U23 World Championships.
“It’s not every day that you get to represent your province and your country,” said Jeremy Watts. “Hopefully we can accomplish what we set out to do, and make it to the world championships.”
“It is an unbelievable feeling to know that your hard work and training has paid off,” said Joel Watts. “I don’t think it will really sink in until we are actually in Mexico competing for Canada.”
“Prince Edward Island is extremely proud of our Island athletes,” said Minister Currie. “On behalf of the Province of Prince Edward Island, I want to congratulations these tremendous athletes, as well as their teammates, coaches and families; all the best in your future competitions.”
Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie congratulates brothers Jeremy (left) and Joel (right) Watts on recently being named to the Canadian Men’s U23 wheelchair basketball team.