Self-taught Hay River teen playing table tennis in Canada Games

Ateen from Hay River, N.W.T.,is going to compete in the 2019 Canada Winter Games in table tennis after teaching himself to play by watching YouTube videos.

Conner McKay-Ivanko, a Grade 10 student at cole Borale, said he first became interestedin the sport after playing recreationally at school.

Last year, he started playing it more seriously. But without many learning opportunities in the town of about 3,500 people, he had to take a solo approach.

McKay-Ivanko, 15, estimated that he's now practising for about 15 hours a week: "Every weekend, every lunch, every day after school."

He plays with friends in town, even though he doesn't have a trainer and qualified for the Canada Winter Games last year.

The Canada Games, which date back to 1967, are Canada's largest multi-sport competition andseveral athletes who've competed have goneon to the Olympics.

'Life-changing experience'

Red Deer, Alta., is hosting the games this yearbetween Feb. 15 and March 3. Up to 3,600 athletes and others involved in the sportsare expected to attend.

"It's a very big deal. It really is a life-changing experience for a lot of these young people," David Patterson, president and CEO of the Canada Games Council,said in a phone interview.

He said, to his knowledge, an athlete who learned a sport solo byusing YouTube is a first for the competition: "I think that's a wonderful story."

McKay-Ivanko leaves town for the competition on Wednesday.

He said he's a little nervous, but he's proud to represent the Northwest Territories and he's looking forward to giving it his all.

"This is will be my first competition I've ever participated in," McKay-Ivanko said. "I'll be happy no matter what. It's just going to be a great experience."