Three local badminton players have just returned from Les jeux de la francophonie canadiens (Canadian Francophone Games).
Led by coach Kurt Templemans Plat, a team of six badminton players travelled to Ottawa on July 11 for the Team Ontario training camp and then as a group, 120 travelled together to Moncton, New Brunswick, to participate in the games from July 17 – 22.
Nicholas Babich and Gabriel Pharand of North Bay, and Fred Houle of Blind River represented the men’s division while Jewel Ng of North Bay, Bryanna Bielek of Timmins and Kalie Rhéaume of Orleans represented the ladies division for Team Ontario.
All players competed in singles and one doubles event.
Gabriel Pharand and Kalie Rhéaume were undefeated in the elimination round winning a gold medal in mixed doubles.
Gabriel was undefeated in men’s singles until the gold medal game, where he won the silver medal.
Jewel Ng and Bryanna Bielek won the bronze medal for ladies doubles.
Kalie Rhéaume also double medaled by winning the gold in ladies singles.
Nick Babich and Fred Houle finished in 5th place for men’s doubles.
Badminton team results are available here.
Les jeux de la francophonie canadiens are attended by francophone high-school aged students from all provinces and territories of Canada. Over 1,200 youth attended the week-long event, which included badminton, volley-ball, 3 on 3 basketball, 3 on 3 soccer, ultimate frisbee, track and field, improvisation, drama, music, visual arts, and public speaking.
There were several students from the North Bay region and Northern Ontario, who participated in the games.
All Team Ontario results are available at: https://www.ontario-jeuxfc2017.com/ by looking under the drop-down menu for 'équipes'.
