In 2013, Coast Capital Savings joined the BC Games Society as a Corporate Partner. From the beginning, Coast Capital Savings was focussed on youth and they wanted to impact the participants directly.
Upon arrival at the Games each participant is presented with a T-shirt and drawstring bag courtesy of Coast Capital Savings. These items have become valued recognition pieces that participants want to wear and use after the Games as a reminder of their accomplishments and their BC Games experience. Both of these items are valued by the participants and are utilized long after the Games are over.
Coast Capital Savings also implemented a Leadership Bursary for Games athletes. A self-application process, athletes nominated themselves by outlining their sport and community leadership endeavors. As many as 250+ applications are received for each Games. For each Games sixteen $500 bursaries are awarded, two in each of the BC Games zones. Presented at the Closing Ceremony, these young leaders are honoured for their commitment to sport and their community. In total 80 bursaries have been awarded to athletes from 53 communities representing 35 sports. From the province-wide releases after each Games, over 75 articles about the recipients were included in local newspapers around the province. What a terrific way to acknowledge and inspire young leaders!
Over the past five Games, Coast Capital Savings has reached over 13,000 BC Games athletes, coaches, and officials. With Coast Capital Savings representatives attending the Games they have been able to witness firsthand the commitment and dedication of those who attend the BC Games and each one of them has a story about a connection they made while attending a ceremony, watching a competition, or presenting a medal.
Coast Capital Savings has also impacted the local community in a significant way. In Games communities local branch staff have volunteered and the local branches have driven social media campaigns and volunteer recruitment events. In all, Coast Capital Savings has reached over 11,000 volunteers ranging in age from 5 to 97.
In 2017 Coast Capital Savings also contributed to the BC Games Society's Powering Potential Fund. This fund has supported facility and equipment upgrades and purchases for more than 15 sports. The projects supported are legacies for the community and also support competition for future BC Games. An example is the competition starting blocks for swimming at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre in Duncan. A commemorative plaque hangs in the lobby of the centre, acknowledging the role Coast Capital Savings has played in supporting community sport and the BC Games.
The BC Games Society looks forward to creating more exceptional experiences for the upcoming BC Winter Games in Fort St. John, together with Coast Capital Savings.