Kyrell Sopotyk in action with Team Saskatchewan at the Canada Winter Games
(SaskSport photo)

Kyrell Sopotyk of Aberdeen was named the junior athlete of the year in May at the Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s Awards and Hall of Fame banquet. The event was part of the festivities at the 2023 Canadian Wheelchair Basketball League National Championship in Richmond, B.C.

During the 2022 season, Kyrell was named a tournament all-star at the Junior National Championship, where he was part of a team of inexperienced athletes, frequently matching up with higher-classification opponents. However, his competitive nature and quick learning curve allowed him to perform well during the tournament.

Kyrell’s performance helped him earn a roster spot with Team Canada for the Under-23 World Championship in Phuket, Thailand.

The Aberdeen athlete is an ambassador for ‘SPORT: It’s More Than A Game’ through Sask Sport. He feels the sports community is a very welcoming community and participation in sports builds lifelong relationships and lifelong memories.