Chestermere athletes excel on national stage
Three remarkable young athletes from Chestermere and nearby Langdon have once again proven that this region is a powerhouse for sports excellence. Amira Harb, Kylee Emms, and Hannah Franssen, all of whom once played for the Chestermere Chiefs, proudly represented Alberta at the U18 National Football Championships in Fredericton. These talented girls, ingrained members of their communities, played key roles in securing a silver medal for their team, with Amira and Hannah being repeat players, who also won gold last year.
Reflecting on their experience, Hannah Franssen, the 17-year-old defensive back, described the championship as “super fun.” She mentioned that while the team had hoped for gold again, the competition was fierce, particularly in the final against Ontario Red. “Our first game win was a confidence booster. We played the same team we beat for gold last year, and winning again felt amazing,” said Amira Harb, Chestermere Lakers alumni. Despite the challenges posed by the humid weather and intense heat, the girls were resilient and determined.
“We had some tough weather conditions – one game was in pouring rain, which made it really hard to do anything on the field,” said Amira. “It was good to play with people who are competitive,” she said, emphasizing how being surrounded by like-minded athletes pushed everyone to perform at their best.
The success of these athletes adds to Chestermere’s growing reputation for producing top-tier talent. Recently, another young resident, Kayden Solvason, made headlines by winning a gold medal at the World Junior Football Championship. This achievement, coupled with the girls’ impressive performance, highlights the high calibre of athletes emerging from this region.
As the community continues to support and nurture its young sports stars, it’s clear that Chestermere, along with its surrounding communities, are fast becoming hubs for athletic excellence. With such a promising future ahead, these athletes are not only making their communities proud, but are paving the way for the next generation of champions, as well.
