By Sam Cortes, Communications Coordinator
These athletes were nominated by their coaches and selected by their Chefs de Mission to represent their regions as flag bearers at the Closing Ceremonies for the 2024 Manitoba Summer Games powered by Manitoba Hydro.
Congratulations, athletes!
TEAM EAST
Kyle Azaransky – Cycling and Triathlon
Kyle Azaransky is a dedicated athlete who excels in multiple sports, including hockey, cycling, running, and triathlon. His commitment to training makes him a role model for his team. Kyle’s goal for these Games was simple; to have fun, work hard, and win gold. Kyle surpassed his goal this week and took home two gold medals in cycling and one in triathlon.
Quinn Lavoie – Soccer and Athletics
Quinn Lavoie is a passionate dual-phase athlete at the Games. In phase one, Quinn and the Team East female soccer team took home the silver medal after ending the game in sudden death penalty kicks. In phase two, she racked up the hardware in Athletics, winning gold in the 800 metre, 1200 metre, medley relay, and 4 by 100 relay.
Veronica Varnes – Softball
Veronica Varnes competed in softball at these Games, and is always eager to learn and play. She’s incredible at any position she plays, and her coach who nominated her even says she’s never seen a better ball tracker. Veronica is both caring and passionate, and is always willing to try new things to help her team succeed.
TEAM NORTH
Paige Clements – Basketball
Paige participated in Basketball at these Games. She is an incredibly hard worker and a positive presence on the team, always representing the northern region with great support. When she’s not on the court, you’ll find her cheering on her little brother in soccer or encouraging young athletes in athletics.
TEAM WEST
Kacey McKim – Athletics
Kacey competed in athletics this week. She is described by her coaches as kind and humble, and is a great teammate and multi-sport athlete. She’s not only talented at sport, but also incredibly supportive of her teammates and athletes from other teams. Kacey is bringing home two gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
Skylar Higginbotham – Softball
Skylar competed in softball at these Games. She’s an all-around player—adaptable, coachable, and open-minded—always doing whatever it takes to help her team win. Skylar always brings energy and a great attitude, uniting the team and truly serving as the glue that holds them together.
WINNIPEG BLUE
Lily Hemlow – Athletics
Lily Hemlow was a competitor in athletics, and she’s has had a busy few weeks leading up to the Games. She participated at the Western Canada Team Challenge and went straight to the Legion National Youth Track and Field Championships! Lily capped her trio of competition this week by taking home a gold medal in the 800 metre and 1200 metre on Friday.
Airon Recuenco – Soccer
Airon competed in soccer at these Games. His passion for all sports truly embodies the essence of this multi-sport event. He’s the ultimate teammate, always knowing when to give a push or offer a helping hand with words of encouragement. His goal for these Games was to be a great team player and leader, meet new people, help his team win games and the tournament, and continue developing his skills.
TEAM SOUTH
Nevada Wrixon – Softball
Nevada competed in softball this week. She is not just known as one of the most supportive teammates; she’s described as the heart and soul of the team with her unwavering positivity. Nevada helped her team bring home a medal earlier that morning!
WINNIPEG GOLD
Jillian Clarkson – Triathlon
Jillian participated in Triathlon at these Games. On Day 1 of competition, she was in a tough bike crash that left her with significant abrasions on her chin, shoulder, hands, and knee. Despite all of that, she competed in the individual event, including the open water swim, bandaged up and all, and ended up winning a bronze medal.
