Kamloops, British Columbia – Canada’s Tournament Capital is once again proving to be leaders in the British Columbia sporting community by encouraging City Council to make an anti-bullying proclamation.
“We have asked the City of Kamloops to proclaim March Bullying Free Sport Community Month,” explains Niki Remesz, Kamloops 2018 BC Winter Games President. “This movement encourages all local sport organizations, administrators, officials, parents and families to take the provincial-wide #ERASEbulling pledge.”
The proclamation sets the tone for the Kamloops 2018 BC Winter Games. “This week marks the one-year countdown to the Games. We are preparing for the event – not just tactically but also by taking a proactive step to ensure all athletes feel safe, respected, and at-home in our sporting community,” Remesz continues. “Kamloops will be the first city to make this type of proclamation for sport.”
94% of BC sports organizations believe sport bullying is a serious problem that needs to be addressed according to research done by the BC Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. These staggering statistics prompted the provincial government to encourage all BC sport organizations to stand together and move towards erasing bullying in sport. They have asked organizations to take the #ERASEbullying pledge and to come together and join the Province’s first Declaration of Commitment to erase bullying in sport throughout BC.
“As a first-step we ask all Kamloops sports enthusiasts, coaches, athletes, and parents to take the province wide pledge online. Next, use #ERASEbullying on social media to show your pride for the initiative. And, finally, join with us as we countdown 1-year until the 2018 BC Winter Games – an event that will be inclusive and welcoming to all,” encourages Remesz.
With Council’s approval of the declaration on February 21, 2017 the pledge will be extended to all events taking place under the Tournament Capital of Canada banner, which increases the exposure of the #ERASEbullying campaign to dozens of events and their participants.
To take the pledge visit: viasport.ca/erasebullying.
