PREECEVILLE — Prince Edward Buenaflor’s passion and strive for excellence have led him to the sport of arm wrestling. He excelled at the sport, beating experienced opponents. He showcased his abilities during the Preeceville Lions Western Weekend on July 13.
“I'm a proud husband to my wonderful wife, Shynna. Growing up in Davao, Philippines, I was introduced to arm wrestling by my eldest brother, a world champion and competitor in the World Fire Fighter Olympics,” stated Buenafor.
“Following in his footsteps, I developed a passion for the sport that fueled my determination to succeed. I also pursued a career in nursing and graduated with a degree in the field. However, my roots are in farming - specifically, crop farming, where I would plant and harvest various crops, including vegetables. As I always say, 'Farming isn't just about growing crops, it's about building strength - from the ground up.' It's a philosophy that's helped me in arm wrestling. My family and I made the move to Canada three years ago, and we've called Preeceville home ever since. I've fallen in love with this place - the locals are so polite and welcoming, it's reminiscent of the warm hospitality we experienced back in the Philippines.
“The peacefulness and quiet nature of the area have also been a great fit for us. My arm wrestling journey in Canada started in Regina, where my first tournament was a humbling experience. I faced a tough opponent who beat me, but I didn't let that setback discourage me. Instead, I used it as motivation to train harder. And then, we faced each other again in Saskatoon - the rematch was intense! I was determined to give it my all, and in the end, I emerged victorious, beating him dominantly. That moment was unforgettable - it was a testament to my growth and perseverance as an arm wrestler.
“My wife, Shynna, and our dog, Spike, are my biggest supporters - they're my rock! Now, I work as a farm technician and strive to balance my work, passion for arm wrestling, and family time. For me, family time is non-negotiable - it's essential to prioritize the people who matter most. I'm grateful to have found a rhythm that allows me to pursue my passions while nurturing my relationships and career.
“One funny thing that happens when I compete is that people often ask me where I'm from. When I say Preeceville, they usually pause and ask, "Where's that?" LOL It's become a bit of a running joke, but I'm proud to represent my community and show them what Preeceville's got!
“Western Days provided a fantastic platform for me to showcase arm wrestling to the community, not just in Preeceville, but also to the surrounding areas. It was an incredible experience sharing my passion with people from all walks of life and introducing them to the excitement of the sport. I'm proud, honored, grateful, and humbled by the overwhelming support from the community, the Lions Club, and my fellow Filipinos who came out to cheer me on. Their encouragement means the world to me! When I'm not arm wrestling or working, you can find me on the basketball court - a nod to my favorite Filipino sport. I'm grateful to call Preeceville home and look forward to seeing what the future holds for arm wrestling in our community. I hope my story can inspire others to pursue their passions and cherish the people who matter most,” he concluded.
