GNS Badminton Player Gears Up for BC Winter Games

December 17, 2021

Academics

GNS

Grade 8 student Lewis Weir has qualified for the BC Winter Games in badminton! Lewis qualified in the top position for Zone 6 (Vancouver Island), which is even more impressive considering that he saw limited practice and no tournaments over the last 18 months due to the pandemic.

“It was pretty great to make the team,” he said. “My previous coach said how impactful it was for him to go to the BC Winter games. I’m a bit nervous about going, but really glad.”

Lewis had been practicing with his coach twice a week leading up to the tryouts and it paid off. In the tryouts, he placed first with 18 points.

The BC Winter Games are being held in Vernon and will run from February 24 to 27. Lewis said he’s going to focus on his training over the next two months.

“I’ll probably attend more practices and practice at home with drills that my coach has taught me,” he said. “Mainly, what I need to practice is movement, because in badminton movement can basically win you any game as long as you get to the bird.”

Lewis said his biggest strength would be his defence, and his offence is something he continues to work on. While Lewis enjoys other co-curriculars such as ultimate, basketball and rowing, he says there is something special about badminton.

“I like the joy of the sport,” he said. “Win or lose, it’s always fun to play.”

Congratulations to Lewis, and good luck in February!