Traditional practices shape today’s competition at Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games

By Kate Garlinge
PR Chair
Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games

Athletes took aim and arrows took flight today in the Willie Kraus Field House at JL Crowe Secondary. Thompson-Okanagan Head Coach Bernard “Buzz” Manuel of the Upper Nicola Band honoured athletes, coaches and caregivers at the start of the 2026 BC Winter Games Archery competition with his traditional drumming and singing. He spoke of watering the seeds for coming generations of athletes. This is his fifth time at the BC Games — as an athlete and coach.

JL Crowe Indigenous Connections teacher Ed Garlinge spoke with Coach Buzz and Coach Reid Holmstrom from Sekani Nation in Cariboo North East. Both visiting coaches agreed that having Indigenous athletes simultaneously representing their region and culture reinforces our collective path to reconciliation.

Head Archery Coach for Cariboo North East Lora-Lee Murray was in the wings with her stuffed hot pink flamingo. Her special “quiver” included the flamingo, bubbles, and slingshot toys — all meant to keep her team from overthinking things. “By the time these kids get to this stage, there’s nothing we can do for skill; we just have to help them stay out of their own heads,” said Murray, who self-identifies as a giant goofball.

“There’s nothing like watching an athlete come to a Games scared, nervous, never competed before [at this level] and then just bloom,” added Murray. Six of her competitors hardly knew each other before embarking on the trip to Trail, and it warmed her heart to see them sit down with athletes from across the Province to decorate clothes pins with glitter and beads at a craft table set out by the school’s principal.

Archery continues through Saturday at JL Crowe, along with Wheelchair Basketball. For a full schedule of events, go to bcgames.org.