Activities enjoyed as children sometimes follow us into adolescence. That was the case for local badminton champ Shaelynn Beach.
Shaelynn Beach fondly remembers playing badminton with her sister and father, and she said that is what prompted her to play for the junior high team at Edwin Parr Composite School (EPC) when she was a little older.
“I would always play with my sister, and we were pretty evenly matched,” Beach said. “She is two years older than me.”
Beach said there are not many other competitive badminton players her age. Now 16, Beach has qualified to represent EPC at the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association 2014 Provincial Badminton Championships.
The competition is hosted in Lethbridge by Catholic Central High School in partnership with the University of Lethbridge on May 2 and 3.
“I went to one tournament in Westlock, then I went to conferences in Westlock, then I went to zones, and I got third there, so I get to go to provincials,” Beach said. “It is a little nerve-wracking. I am excited.”
This is the first time Beach has qualified for provincials.
“I was so close to going last year,” she said.
“The first tournament I ever went to, I ended up getting gold, so it inspired me to keep trying and attending practices,” Beach explained. “I’ve medaled at every tournament up to the present day, although I don’t like wearing the medals since I don’t want to gloat.
“I’m proud to represent my school and I’ll play my very best,” she said.
