KELOWNA, B.C. — Sarah Kim's dad taught her to golf. He also taught her what it means to give back.
At the Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games, both lessons landed. Kim, a 16-year-old from Surrey who plays out of Morgan Creek Golf Course, was named one of 16 recipients of the BC Games Leadership Bursary at a presentation Saturday evening at Shannon Lake Golf Club in West Kelowna. Representing Zone 4 (Fraser River), she was recognized alongside one other zone recipient from a pool of close to 200 applicants across the province. The bursary honours BC Games participants under 19 who have excelled in academics and sport while going above and beyond in their communities through leadership and volunteer activities.
Each recipient receives $500 toward future sport or educational pursuits.
"I'd just like to thank my parents for everything they have done for me and for setting such a great example of what it means to give back," Kim said. "My dad as my coach and everything he has instilled in me. I'd also like to thank the Games staff and BC Golf for making this possible. This is my first Games and I'm really excited to soak it all up."
Kim backed up the honour with a strong showing on the course, finishing third in the girls' individual competition with rounds of 76 and 77 for a two-day total of 153. Lois Park of the Fraser Valley Region claimed the title at 148, with Harvest Golf Club's Tierra Elchuk one stroke back after a closing 68. Kim's Zone 4 squad also placed third in the zone team competition with 203 Stableford points.
Surrey's Sarah Kim Tees Off In The Kelowna BC Summer Games - BC Golf photo
Elizabeth Dunn, BC Golf's player development lead, said the recognition reflects what the BC Summer Games make possible for young golfers across the province.
"The BC Summer Games are a vital part of how BC Golf develops its next generation of athletes and leaders," Dunn said. "With close to 200 applications and just 16 recipients, this is a tremendous achievement. Sarah exemplifies what golf can build in a young person — character, resilience and a sense of responsibility to the people around you. We're proud to see her recognized and grateful to the BC Games for creating these opportunities."
The Kelowna 2026 BC Summer Games brought together more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials from across British Columbia to compete in 19 sports from July 22–26. Golf competition took place at Shannon Lake Golf Club in West Kelowna.
The Bigger Picture
The BC Summer Games sit at the intersection of competition and community — two things BC Golf sees as inseparable. The Games give young athletes a first taste of representing their zone, competing under pressure and being part of something larger than their own scorecard. For Kim, whose first Games also brought her first provincial recognition for the work she does off the course, that combination is exactly the point. The leadership bursary is one of several awards presented during the Games, honouring the commitment that young British Columbians bring to their communities through sport.