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Shawnigan players and coaches help Zone 6 to rugby silver

Final was a ‘feat of physicality and passion’
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BC Summer Games silver medallists Ella Hudon, Sofia Atkins and Ava Ference. (Submitted by Shannon Atkins)

Three athletes and two coaches from the Cowichan Valley helped the Zone 6 (Vancouver Island-Central Coast) team to a silver medal in the girls rugby sevens competition at the 2022 BC Summer Games in Prince George last month.

Sofia Atkins, Ava Ference and Ella Hudon suited up for the Zone 6 team, while Shannon Atkins served as head coach and Gerry Atkins was assistant coach.

All three players attend Shawnigan Lake School, where Shannon Atkins is the head coach of the senior girls rugby team, and Gerry Atkins is a graduate of the school now playing for the University of Guelph Gryphons.

Shannon Atkins was also the head coach for Zone 6 at the 2018 BC Summer Games in the Cowichan Valley, when the team won gold.

“We are delighted with our silver medal,” she said. “The final game was a tremendous feat of physicality and passion, and we managed to finally cross the line in the dying minute. Attending a multisport event such as this is a unique experience, and one these athletes will not forget.”



Kevin Rothbauer

About the Author: Kevin Rothbauer

Kevin Rothbauer is the sports reporter for the Cowichan Valley Citizen
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