KELOWNA, BC – Two Central Okanagan middle school students are among the young athletes heading to Daegu, South Korea for the International Childrens’ Games (ICG Daegu 2023) in July. Kenzie Taverner (Grade 7) will compete in the 100m and Long Jump events, while Finley Stewart (Grade 9) will represent Canada in Volleyball.
Kenzie Taverner has competed in Track and Field since she was 8. Between her time at the Okanagan Athletics Club and training at Springvalley Middle School, she trains about eight hours a week and shares her growing skill set with her fellow students at school track events. Kenzie is the only athlete from Western Canada for Track and Field at ICG Daegu 2023. As a competitive multi-athlete who is working towards being a competing Heptathlete, she embraces the opportunity to compete abroad.
“I’ve traveled in BC for many track competitions over the years, and I earned 3rd in the BC JD Pentathlon in 2022, so I’m thrilled to go to South Korea to live out my dream in another country!” says Kenzie. “I’m also very excited for the experience of meeting people from all over the world!”
Finley Stewart has been honing his volleyball skills at École Dr. Knox Middle School. He is also a multi-sport athlete, incorporating his skills in soccer and basketball to take his v-ball game to the next level. The 14-year-old looks forward to showing his skills on the world stage.
“I’m excited to go to South Korea because of the atmosphere there and to represent Canada for volleyball,” says Fin. “Mostly I look forward to the memories I’ll make and people I’ll meet, which will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
According to the ICG, there are 45 Canadian students attending the Games in July, with Kelowna making up the largest portion of Canadian competitors at 23. The Canadian contingent will also include eleven students from Hamilton and eleven students from Windsor.