Wrestler Kai Pare of Williams Lake wins double gold and carries Team BC’s flag at the 2025 Canada Summer Games closing ceremony.
Rising Star Takes Centre Stage
Williams Lake’s Kai Pare, 16, capped off a remarkable run at the 2025 Canada Summer Games by leading Team BC as flagbearer during the closing ceremony on August 25 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Golden Performance on the Mat
Pare delivered an unforgettable performance, capturing two gold medals in wrestling. She anchored BC’s women’s team victory by shutting out all opponents and later clinched individual gold in the 59 kg category. Team BC earned 20 wrestling medals overall, highlighting the province’s depth in the sport.
Why She Was Chosen
Pare’s leadership both on and off the mat earned her the prestigious flagbearer honour. “Kai’s ability to lift those around her while performing at the highest level makes her the perfect choice,” said coach Gurjot Kooner, praising her humility and team spirit.
Leadership Beyond Medals
Team BC’s Chef de Mission, Eron Main, noted that Pare received the honour with gratitude before helping dismantle the wrestling venue. “That says everything you need to know about her team-first mentality,” he said.
The Spirit of the Games
This year’s Canada Summer Games brought together 4,000 athletes across 17 sports. Team BC finished third overall, while building on a history of 2,451 medals since the Games began in 1967. Wrestling has been a fixture since the inaugural event, with women’s divisions added in 2005.
A Bright Future Ahead
Already a decorated competitor, Pare holds multiple provincial and national titles, including gold at the 2025 Canadian Wrestling Championships and the 2024 U17 Nationals. With her latest triumphs, she has cemented her reputation as one of Canada’s most promising young wrestlers.
This article is original and written specifically for Surreyspeak.com
