SHS athletes make history at Canada Games

Grade 11 student Alex Moore made Selwyn House history when he won a bronze Medal for Quebec at the Canada Summer Games, held in Sherbrooke August 2-17.

On August 1, three Selwyn House students and one coach travelled to Sherbrooke to participate in the 2013 Games. Matthew Loewen, Nathan Palayew, Sam Barmish (alternate) and Coach Rob Moore were among the very few Selwyn House students and staff who have ever participated in this prestigious event. In the past, Julien Dumont 2006 competed in 2005 and Andrew Wong 2001 made the team after he graduated from SHS.

Matthew Loewen participated in the 50-metre, 100-metre and 200-metre breaststroke in swimming, while Nathan Palayew and Alex Moore wrestled in the 46-kg and 54-kg weight classes, respectively. Mr. Moore was the Head Coach of the Men’s Team.

The Canada Summer Games was the largest major games held in Quebec since the 1976 Olympics, and featured 4,200 athletes from all provinces and territories in Canada.

There have been remarkably few athletes from Selwyn who have competed in this event, and even fewer who managed to do so while they were students at the School. Julien Dumont 2006 was able to do it in 2005 and Andrew Wong 2001 made the team in after he graduated in 2001. Selwyn House coaches are presently scanning their memory banks to recall whether any other Gryphon athletes have attained this distinction before.

The Canada Games event is for athletes between 15 and 18 years of age, so SHS athletes were facing 18-year-old opponents, which was quite a challenge. The Selwyn House decision to send younger athletes to compete against older opponents was made because of the prestige and importance of an event that comes around once in a lifetime. It was also a good chance to test our athletes and help them prepare for next year, explains Coach Moore.

Alex Moore defeated both the gold and silver medalist in the team event, losing a close match to the silver medalist the next day, and then defeating three-time Canadian Juvenile Champion Sam Jagas from Ontario in the bronze medal match. Jagas also won the Pan-American Championships last year. Nathan Palayew finished in fifth place.

“It was an outstanding opportunity for the boys,” Mr. Moore said, “and I am very pleased with them. They had to face the pressure of competition over three days, compete against older opponents and even lose weight to make their weight category at the same time.

“The Opening Ceremonies, the team uniform, rubbing shoulders with the top athletes in all sports from all across Canada together made it an amazing experience for all involved. “

Mr. Moore was also able to visit the former Selwyn House Headmaster Will Mitchell, who is currently the Head of Bishop’s College School, which was hosting part of the Games.