Three Elizabeth School students compete in Sask Summer Games
By Joan Janzen
Three students from Elizabeth Middle School attended the 2024 Sask Summer Games in Lloydminster from July 21 to 27th. Breanna Velasco, Zaya Bothner, and Bentley Atkinson were cheered on by their classmates at home while they participated in the week-long competition. Breanna and Zaya were at the games during the first portion, and Bentley’s event was on Friday.
Breanna Velasco played forward/defence for the Rivers West soccer team.
Twelve-year-old Breanna Velasco played forward/defence on the female Rivers West soccer team, which finished in 8th place. She has been playing soccer for the past two years and said she learned a lot at the summer games. She also enjoyed having fun and meeting new people.
Zaya Bothner played left field as a member of the Rivers West softball team.
Kindersley’s Zaya Bothner was a female Rivers West softball team member coached by her dad, Winston Bothner. The twelve-year-old played left field, competing in one game on both Monday and Wednesday and two games on Tuesday, finishing 5th in the finals.
Bentley Atkinson was a discus competitor at the Saskatchewan Summer Games.
Bentley Atkinson appreciated the opportunity to further her discus skills, as Kindersley has limited coaching. For the past two years, 13-year-old Bentley has been honing her skills and placed 8th in the discus final on Friday.
Bentley’s mom Roxanne noted her daughter was fortunate to be accepted since students in athletics are required to be 14 years of age and in high school. There were four athletic coaches there to lend assistance, which was a treat for Bentley who didn’t have a coach while she was preparing for the event.
It was a new experience for the three Kindersley girls, and they made many new friends during the games. “The girls focussed on attending other people’s events and cheering them on,” Roxanne said.
She also attended the closing ceremony, which she described as high-energy and a little emotional as the flag was handed over to the next game hosts. The 2026 games will be held in Meadow Lake.
Way to go, girls!