‘It’s not about basketball, it’s about having fun’
N.L. Winter Games a family affair for Gander's Kennedy siblings
For Gander’s Kennedy family, the 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games is a family affair.
Not only are Jonah and his younger sister Claire suiting up for the male and female host basketball teams respectively, their father Brian patrolled the sideline as the host male team’s head coach.
That unique connection has added a new layer to the competition for the trio.
Not only are they looking to compete with teams from around the province, but they get to support each other on the court at the same time.
When Jonah and Brian are at Gander Elementary, where the female tournament is taking place, they’re making sure to catch Claire’s game, and vice versa when the youngest Kennedy is at St. Paul’s Elementary for the male games.
“It’s going to be such good memories,” Claire said about having her brother and father competing alongside her at the Games.
“That’s why I wanted to participate, because it would be such good memories.”
MEETING NEW PEOPLE
The idea that the Games are about more than the sport athletes play is something the Kennedys wholeheartedly endorse.
Jonah gushed about falling to sleep laughing with his buddies on his first night in the athlete’s village, while Claire made sure to mention that each of the teammates have made friends from all over the province.
“It's not about basketball, it's about having fun,” Claire said.
They couldn’t have asked for a better time, and on top of that, they get to spend it with each other.
“The experience is just amazing,” said Jonah. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you won't get again and it's just a really great experience.”
REPRESENTING GANDER
There's a bonus for the Kennedys that comes with playing in the 2024 Games.
Not only are they competing and representing their region, they’re also representing their hometown of Gander.
It comes with some added pressure, sure, but that isn’t what they’re concerned about. Instead, it's about setting a good example and giving it their all.
“It's an advantage,” said Jonah. “You get to go home and there's a bunch always watching your friends. It really makes it 10 times better having it in your hometown.”