Locals heading to 2012 Alberta Summer Games

Jared Lee is no stranger to competing in provincial sports competitions.

The 16-year-old volleyball player will compete in his third Alberta Games when athletes from across Alberta arrive in Lethbridge for the 2012 Alberta Summer Games, July 26 to 29.

“I’ve been to the Winter Games for indoor volleyball, and I was trying to find a reason to go again this year, so I tried out for beach volleyball,” he said.

In 2010, the Airdrie resident pulled double duty and competed in the Alberta Winter and Summer Games. In addition to playing indoor volleyball at the Winter Games in Cold Lake and Bonnyville, he won gold with the Zone 2 lacrosse team at the Summer Games in Peace River.

Lee capped off the 2010 Summer Games when he was named the Zone 2 MVP and carried the banner in the closing ceremonies.

“It was a good time,” he said. “(For lacrosse) we had a lot of people who played on the same club team, so we had some pretty good chemistry.”

He played lacrosse for nine years with the Rocky View Rage, as well as one year with Team Alberta. He began playing volleyball when he started Grade 8 at St. Martin de Porres High School.

“I’ve always been taller, so it’s an advantage,” he said. “I like the technique and the teamwork. I liked the physical aspect of lacrosse, but I prefer volleyball now. It’s easier on your body.”

Lee will be heading to Lethbridge with a friend in tow. He recruited Tanner Alyman, who he plays school volleyball with, for the tryouts and the two advanced to compete at the Games.

“We’re looking forward to playing as good as we can play and having a good time,” Lee said. “Hopefully, we win a few games and perform as well as we can.”

Where Lee is a seasoned veteran when it comes to the Summer Games, another Airdrie athlete is competing his first Games. James Borden, 11, will play with the Zone 2 soccer team.

Borden has been playing soccer for six years and also competes in BMX races.

“I wanted to try a new sport, so I took up soccer,” he said. “I just love it. It’s my favourite sport. I want to be a professional soccer player. That’s my goal.”

Borden made the team after a four-day camp, which was held in the spring at Genesis Place, and he is the youngest player on the team.

“I’m playing with 12 and 13 year olds, but I like it,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the trip with the team and learning and developing.”