Cloverdale Catholic Elementary takes home the top spot
By Nathan Rumohr
The B.C. Catholic

VANCOUVER--A small school with a big heart proved you don't always have to be the biggest dog in a fight to win. The students of Cloverdale Catholic Elementary School placed first at the annual CISVA track meet at Swangard Stadium June 8. Catholic school sports are usually dominated by the larger schools out of Burnaby and Vancouver, which made the Cloverdale win an upset of sorts.

"For the kids to achieve this level of success is wonderful," said Principal Jason Borkowski of the win. Borkowski was quick to point out the win would not have been possible without the dedication of parents and teachers.

The school with the motto "play hard, smart, and together" in the small Surrey suburb has made steady progress over the last few years. It beat out 35 other schools, with over 1,000 athletes, to claim the title.

The champs benefited from strong performances by 12-year-old Maria Palmegiani and 11-year-old Raquel Pinto; each won an award for the best female athlete in her age group.

The school's motto can be credited with helping the students claim the top prize, but Borkowski also a credits a higher power.

"It really shows what we can do when we believe in ourselves and work together to use our God-given gifts to their full potential."