Japjeet Raikmo is a true Renaissance man: an athlete, Bhangra dancer, scientist, graphic designer, and an active community member in Thompson, Manitoba.

Since arriving in Thompson in 2020, the 15-year-old Japjeet has become immersed in the community. He is a huge fan of the Manitoba Winter Games powered by Manitoba Hydro, participating as an athlete, performer, and graphic designer.

Japjeet loves badminton, so it’s no surprise his first thought about the Manitoba Winter Games was to participate in the sport. “I heard about [Manitoba Winter Games] back in September… We were doing a badminton clinic, and Mr. Harwood, the principal of Deerwood School and the Executive Director of the Thompson Manitoba Winter Games, announced there would be winter games and told everyone to sign up.” And he did.

Japjeet has been preparing for this opportunity for years. “I've been playing ever since I was a kid, but it’s been two years of actual training.”

His love of the sport is obvious. “I just love sports. Like, it's just my passion, so I just want to do something for sports.”

In addition to competing, Japjeet joined a dance group with the Sikh Society of Thompson. Along with his younger brother, Ikman Raikmo, he performed Bhangra at the Manitoba Winter Games opening ceremonies.

“I was not in a special team. I've never danced like that. It was just around the house… and then we made a team just for the Winter Games.”

As if that weren’t enough, Japjeet also volunteers at the Games media centre as a graphic designer when not competing.

“I started [graphic design] in grade seven. I went to Skills Shop North [formerly North Forge] in the industrial area. I learned there, and I took some online classes, too… And then have computer science classes for coding and stuff.”

Japjeet’s passion for Thompson shines through. “I'm just really happy that I'm representing the community… my friends and everything... I also represented Northern Manitoba at the National Science Fair, so I [get to] represent here again at badminton in sports and in studies.”

As a distinguished scientist in his own right, Japjeet has consistently ranked high in the local science fair competitions. He won numerous gold medals in his school science fairs. Japjeet then moved on to Regionals and Provincials. In 2024, the then grade 8 student represented Manitoba at the National Science Fair in Ottawa.

Despite his busy schedule, Japjeet also finds time for fun during the Games.

“My favourite memory has been with my friends at Deerwood School, just sleeping with them in the room, playing together, and staying together.”

Japjeet offers the following advice for those who are considering participating in a future Manitoba Winter Games. “Just be happy. If you lose a game, don't be sad. It's just an experience. As a volunteer, just be happy and give all you got to the other people who are playing, so they can have a fun time.”

What keeps Japjeet focused, positive, and striving for excellence?

“I want to make my family proud. They want to see me shine, so I just want to make them proud.”

Mission accomplished, Japjeet!