The BC Games Society (BCGS), Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I∙SPARC), Cross Country BC and British Columbia Archery Association have come together to expand pathways for Indigenous athletes at the upcoming Fort St. John 2020 BC Winter Games.
The goal of this partnership is to create increased advancement opportunities for Indigenous athletes to compete at the Games to potentially move forward to compete at the North American Indigenous Games with summer sports and the Canada Winter Games.
“We are proud to partner with I∙SPARC on this initiative,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “This is one of those initiatives that rely on a variety of partners so we are very grateful to be able to collaborate once again and offer this program for a third consecutive Games cycle.”
In collaboration with I∙SPARC, these sports will create an additional eight spots respectively, 16 spots potentially, for Indigenous athletes to compete in the sports of archery and cross country at the Games. I∙SPARC will assist with the identification and targeting of potential athletes.
“This work is directly linked to the Indigenous Long-term Participant Development Pathway.” said Rick Brant, Executive Director of I∙SPARC. “The expansion of this program provides important competitive opportunities for Indigenous athletes and coaches, which is supported through a more welcoming, inclusive environment. We value these relationships with our sport partners and look forward to building on these opportunities in the future.”
“Having been a partner in this initiative at the 2018 Games, we look forward to enhancing opportunities for Indigenous athletes in 2020 and offering a meaningful, competitive experience for all athletes,” added Sonia Schina, Executive Director of BC Archery Association.
“Cross Country BC is pleased to be part of the new Indigenous Participation Program,” said Nancy Beaumont, Program Coordinator for Cross Country BC. “We look forward to supporting and fostering these opportunities for Indigenous participants to expand cross country skiing in our communities.”
Selection events will take place throughout the province in the next few months.
The BC Winter Games take place February 20-23, 2020 and will include up to 1800 participants from across BC competing in 15 sports. The sport competitions will take place at 14 facilities in Fort St. John, District of Taylor, Dawson Creek and Bear Mountain Ski Hill.
For more information about the BC Winter Games visit www.bcgames.org