Four outstanding athletes returned home to Merritt on Monday after competing in the

B.C. Summer Games in Langley. For Jessica Janzen, Shayla George, Paz Morrison-Rainville, and

Kirra Racine, this week will provide some welcome rest and relaxation after a busy three days of some of the most competitive sports action they have ever experienced.

Morrison-R ainville and Racine are both 14, which happened to be the average age at this year’s games. With over 2,500 athletes, 500 coaches, 300 officials, and 3,000 volunteers in attendance, the athletes were competing before a crowded audience.

“ It was the biggest crowd I have ever played in front of,” said Morrison-Rainville.

“You’ve just got to be relaxed and have your mind in the game and know you can do it.”

“I was nervous at first, but once I got going I was just ready to go and had fun playing.”

Morrison-Rainville played third base and centre field for the Thompson-Okanagan peewee level boys softball team. They finished fourth, just missing the podium in a 6-4 loss to the Fraser River-Delta squad.

Racine had a similar experience, racing and jumping for a multitude of fans at the bustling McLeod Park.

“All the stands were full, the whole field was filled with athletes and there were a lot of cameras,” said Racine, but that didn’t bother her.

She competed in the 800-metre and triple jump events, finishing 14th and 13th respectively.

Merritt secondary school ’ s Janzen and George both played for the Thompson-Okanagan U-17 girls’ rugby team.

They just missed the medals, losing to their Vancouver-Squamish opponents 12-10 in the bronze-medal match on Sunday.

The games were kicked off last Thursday evening when Premier Gordon Campbell lit the torch as part of the opening ceremonies.

Competition began on Friday and ran until Sunday.

“It was a really good experience,” said Racine, reflecting on her time in Langley.

Racine says she plans on making it a goal to return to the games next summer. “It got me really excited about track and field.”