For the second time in a year, Kolton Durie will be representing Chilliwack on a major stage.
Durie, a member of the Chilliwack Grapplers Wrestling Club, qualified for the upcoming B.C. Summer Games in Olympic-style wrestling on Monday (May 13). This comes just one year after he competed in last summer’s North American Indigenous Games.
The 2023 North American Games took place in various municipalities around Nova Scotia with athletes from all across Canada and the U.S. competing in 15 different sports.
Durie’s appearance in Halifax last year marked the first time Chilliwack athlete has competed in the sport of wrestling at the Games.
The upcoming B.C. Summer Games are set to be held in Maple Ridge with wrestlers ages 14-17 having already qualified.
Durie’s qualification comes after what Chilliwack Grapplers founder Bill Brooks described as a “frustrating” school season for the young wrestler. His struggles led him to reconsider whether or not he wanted to compete for Team B.C. at all in the upcoming Games.
But Brooks credits Durie’s dedication, as well as Grapplers coach Americo Pena’s leadership in helping the 16-year-old qualify.
All wrestling events are set to take place at Maple Ridge Secondary School with the games running from July 17-21.
READ MORE: Chilliwack Chief and Team B.C. win bronze at National Aboriginal Hockey tourney
Don’t miss out on reading the latest local, provincial and national news offered at the Chilliwack Progress. Sign up for our free newsletter at theprogress.com
