Mac Olsen
Express Staff
Six students at Ecole Heritage in Falher had one of the greatest experiences of their lives, participating in the Arctic Winter Games in Nuuk, Greenland during March 6-11.
Between them, they brought home eight medals. Three of them recently shared their thoughts about participating in that event.
Lauren Lauze, a Grade 12 student, was on the girls’ volleyball team, and they won the silver medal. Lauze had many great experiences and memories of her time at the AWG.
“I was really excited to go,” she says. “I knew all the girls on the Grande Prairie team, so I was comfortable being with them.”
Greenland is a beautiful place and the people were very welcoming, she adds.
Simon Jean, a Grade 11 student, was on the badminton team. He won a bronze in singles, a bronze in mixed doubles and a silver in doubles. The competition was tough, but good.
“I was excited to go,” says Jean. “I met a lot of people and made new friends. I would definitely go again if I could.”
But he will be too old to qualify for the next AWG. He also participated at the AWG in Fairbanks, Alaska two years ago.
Dane Vandeligt was a member of the volleyball team and they won the gold medal.
“I was very anxious,” says Vandeligt. “I felt so blessed to participate in an event of this magnitude.”
All of them agreed that any student who would like to participate in the AWG, should go for it.
Principal Nicole Walisser is proud of her students for their participation.
“For a small school and area, we continue to compete well against larger schools and areas,” says Walisser. “I believe that sport doesn’t build character, but reveals it. Our student athletes continue to impress me with their fair play and dedication to sport.”
