Shock Result - Serena “Willie-Ams” beaten by Cornelius the Beaver

In a shock result Serena Willie-Ams was beaten by Cornelius the Beaver, mascot for Canadian Pacific in a hard fought tennis exhibition game.

Serena Willie-Ams took on all-comers at the Vancouver Summer Live 125th Birthday event which took place in Stanley Park on July 9th, 2011. This appearance is prior to taking her place on centre court at the North America 2011 Vancouver Outgames running July 25-31, 2011.

Serena took on 20 competitors in a ``best of three shots game`` with opponents having the opportunity to win prizes by beating her. Serena arrived in style in her Pink Limo driven by her chauffeur Ryan.
Serena`s 20 competitors included three mascots; Bee Bop from the Vancouver Aquarium, Parka from Parks Canada and Cornelius from Canadian Pacific and 17 women, men, girls and boys who attempted to beat Serena in this tennis challenge. They proved to be a wonderful group of competitors, ideally suited for this equal opportunity challenge, highlighting the nature of the Outgames - diversity & inclusivity.

Cornelius proved to be the surprise star tennis player beating Serena 2 to 1 while 2 of the children and one of the adults also managed to win their prizes. Volunteers were recruited as ball boys, linesmen and cheerleaders and the huge crowd blew whistles and enthusiastically cheered on their favourites.

Serena is actually a local athlete participating in the North America 2011 Outgames which are being hosted in Vancouver this year in recognition of the city`s dedication to equal rights and opportunities. Serena, real name Symone Says, admits that Serena is only her ``Nomme de Sport”. ``I admire the real Serena, both on and off the court, and want to emulate her feistiness, spirit of adventure and of course, sporting ability,” said Symone.


John Boychuk (President of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames) said of the match. ``I had total confidence in Serena, her ball play has to be seen to be believed, but Cornelius proved to be a very capable beaver”.

The Vancouver 2011 Outgames will include multi-sport elements supported by GLISA (Gay Lesbian International Sports Association of North America) including Soccer, Volleyball, Eco-Challenge (Whistler) 10K Run, Golf and many more taking place throughout the Lower Mainland. For more information on the Sporting events of the Vancouver 2011 Outgames click here
For more details about the Vancouver 2011 Outgames go to vancouver2011outgames.com
Photos by Outgames photographer: Mark Kinskofer Click here to view Outgames Expo Tennis Match image gallery