Over 1,000 matches, countless moments of growth
The 2025 Senior Badminton School Championships were a powerful reminder of what school sport can be when communities come together.
Across two full badminton tournaments, over 1,000 matches were played, with six of our eight school boards represented and competition spread across three gymnasiums. The scale alone was impressive, but what stood out even more was the energy in the gyms, the commitment of the athletes, and the shared sense of purpose throughout the event.
From intense singles matches to the coordination and trust required in doubles, athletes showed what it means to prepare, to compete, and to support one another. They gave their best in every rally, learned to work together under pressure, and showed up for themselves, their teammates, and their schools.
A huge thank you goes to Badminton NT for organizing and delivering such a smooth and meaningful championship. Thank you as well to the volunteers and chaperones who supported the event and made travel and participation possible, and most importantly to the athletes, who consistently gave their best on and off the court.
Results
U19 Male Singles
1. Willem Kanigan, Sir John
2. Hudson Shymko, Sir John
3. Tyson Hernandez, St. Pats
U19 Female Singles
1. Shanika Sutherland, Sir John
2. Orlee Duru, Sir John
3. Melanie Messier, Sir John
U15 Male Singles
1. Jayden De Medeiros, St. Pats
2. Rafael Apaga, St. Pats
3. Daniel-Eli Croft, EASC
U15 Female Singles
1. Ruth MacKay, Sir John
2. Joanna Sara Santosh, St. Pats
3. Blake Bourgeois, Sir John
U19 Male Doubles
1. Jonathan Kouakou / Caleb Mobach, Sir John
2. Edward Boucher / Willem Kanigan, Sir John
3. Ben McQuinn / Hudson Shymko, Sir John
U19 Female Doubles
1. Orlee Duru / Melanie Messier, Sir John
2. Vanessa Song / Shanika Sutherland, Sir John
3. Syesha Bandong / Lissa Shimada, St. Pats
U15 Male Doubles
1. Rafael Apaga / Jayden De Medeiros, St. Pats
2. Hamza Abouhagar / Alex Mitchell, Sir John
3. Daniel-Eli Croft / Jackson St-Amour, EASC
U15 Female Doubles
1. Sarah Boudreau-Hunt / Blake Bourgeois, Sir John
2. Ruth MacKay / Kate McShane, Sir John
3. Finya / Francine, Sir John
U19 Mixed Doubles
1. Hudson Shymko / Orlee Duru, Sir John
2. Willem Kanigan / Melanie Messier, Sir John
3. Ben McQuinn / Shanika Sutherland, Sir John
U15 Mixed Doubles
1. Hamza Abouhagar / Kate McShane
2. Alex Mitchell / Blake Bourgeois, Sir John
3. Yuma / Vaani, Sir John
Sportsmanship Awards
Sportsmanship is at the heart of school sport, and this year’s recipients exemplified respect, honesty, kindness, and care for others throughout the tournament:
• Blake Bourgeois, Sir John
• Gwen Sabourin-McKay, Chief Sunrise
• Joanna Santosh, St. Pats
• Jayden De Medeiros, St. Pats
These athletes reminded everyone that how you compete matters just as much as the result.
Events like the Senior Badminton School Championships are about far more than medals or banners. They create spaces where young people learn responsibility, resilience, teamwork, and respect. They build confidence, friendships, and memories that last well beyond a final score.
In the Northwest Territories, bringing athletes together from different schools and communities is never simple, which makes these moments even more meaningful. Each rally played, each handshake exchanged, and each cheer from the sidelines reflects a shared commitment to giving youth opportunities to grow through sport.
Thank you to everyone who made this championship possible. Together, we continue to build strong, welcoming, and meaningful school sport experiences across the North.
