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Maple Ridge appoints President and Vice President for 2024 BC Summer Games

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Maple Ridge appoints President and Vice President for 2024 BC Summer Games

VICTORIA – Laura Butler and Ernie Daykin have been appointed as the President and Vice President, respectively, for the Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games.

Maple Ridge is set to welcome over 3,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from communities around BC at the Games from July 18 to 21, 2024. The community has hosted the BC Summer Games twice previously – in 1983 and 1998 – and was announced as the host of the 2020 BC Summer Games before the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently the Executive Director at the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, Laura Butler has over twenty years of experience in the not-for-profit sector and brings considerable experience in relationship building, event planning, and community engagement to everything she does. She studied Fundraising & Marketing Management at BCIT, has earned Advanced Toastmaster Bronze recognition, and has an associate degree in Early Childhood Education. She presented at the 2012 International Conference on Fundraising and was a finalist in the 2021 Business Leader of the Year category awarded by the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce. 

A citizen of Maple Ridge for 30 years, Butler is passionate about her community and is grateful for the generosity of its many volunteers and community champions who make it a special place.

Ernie Daykin served on Council in Maple Ridge for 12 years, including six years as Mayor. He can trace his family roots in Maple Ridge back to the 1870s and is passionate about giving back to the community through volunteering and not-for-profit work. He owned and operated Windsor Plywood, a local building supply business in Maple Ridge, for 24 years alongside his wife Judy and currently serves as an Administrator for the Baptist Housing Society’s Maple Towers.  

The BC Winter and BC Summer Games are British Columbia’s biennial celebration of sport and community. Since 1978, the BC Games have had over 350,000 participants and volunteers, plus thousands more attend as spectators and supporters.

To learn more about the Maple Ridge 2024 BC Summer Games, visit bcgames.org/.

Quotes

Laura Butler, President, 2024 BC Summer Games
“Ultimately, this is an event to celebrate youth sport and shine a spotlight on the successes and hard work of athletes across the province. But it’s also an amazing opportunity to bring our community together to put on a smooth and successful Games. We have a unique chance to celebrate our City’s 150th anniversary, highlight our amazing volunteers and community champions, and showcase all that Maple Ridge has to offer. Our community can do amazing things when we work together and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Dan Ruimy, Mayor, City of Maple Ridge
“The 2024 BC Summer Games will bring athletes from every corner of BC to Maple Ridge and showcase our beautiful community. We’re thankful to have two of our finest community ambassadors, Laura Butler and Ernie Daykin, step up to lead the Board of Directors. With their leadership and the team of incredible volunteers, we will ensure that all participants will have a first rate athletic and cultural experience.”

Alison Noble, President and CEO, BC Games Society
“Strong leadership is the foundation of a well-run Games and we’re excited to see two exceptional leaders taking the reigns in Maple Ridge. We look forward to supporting Laura and Ernie as they bring their community together to provide an exceptional experience for BC’s young athletes.”

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Media Contact
David Conlin
Communications Manager
BC Games Society
250.356.5254
davidc@bcgames.org

 

Langley’s Derrick Cruz wins W.R. Bennett Award for Athletic Excellence

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Langley karate athlete Derrick Cruz was presented with the W.R. Bennett Award for Athletic Excellence on Sunday in recognition of his outstanding achievements on and off the mat.

The award recognizes one athlete at each BC Winter and BC Summer Games who demonstrates athletic achievement and leadership and includes a $2500 bursary. Sunday’s presentation was made by Greater Vernon President Nicky Dunlop as part of the final day of karate competition at Kalamalka Secondary School in Coldstream.

At the Greater Vernon BC Winter Games, Cruz took home three gold medals in the Team Kata, Individual Kata, and Individual Kumite events.

“We are so happy that Derrick is awarded with this generous award. Derrick’s achievements are a good testimony to his dedication, resilience, and persistence – and he does it all with grace, calm, and the best attitude ever at his young age,” said Fraser Valley Zone 3 head coach Kamelia Fard.

“We are so proud of him and feel blessed to be a part of his exciting life journey from every aspect; excelling in the sport of karate, academic advancement, and watching him grow to a wonderful member of his community.”

Cruz was awarded the Karate BC Sportsmanship Award when he was U12 and the Karate BC Athlete of the Year Award in 2022 after winning a trio of gold medals in his age category at the Karate BC Provincial Championships in Richmond. He is a standout competitor in both Kata and Kumite, which is unique as most karate athletes compete in only one discipline.

In his free time, Cruz volunteers at his karate club teaching students as well as at community events in support of at-risk families and anti-bullying initiatives. His goal is to represent Canada in both Kata and Kumite at the 2023 Junior Pan American Karate Championships.

Through his extensive volunteering and leadership, Cruz has truly embodied the values of the BC Games Culture of the Games, which promotes positivity, respectfulness, inclusivity, and accessibility for all participants.

“He is gifted with a strong character and is a good example of setting goals and staying focused on them no matter what obstacles come on the way,” said Fard.

The W.R. Bennett Award for Athletic Excellence was named in honour of the former Premier of British Columbia, Bill Bennett, who was instrumental in starting the BC Summer and BC Winter Games program in 1978. The award was first presented by Bennett at the 2008 BC Summer Games, which were hosted in his hometown of Kelowna.

Greater Vernon ready to kick off BC Winter Games

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Around 900 of the province’s top young athletes are arriving in Greater Vernon for the opening of the BC Winter Games and the chance to compete in 15 sports. 

“From Prince George to Kelowna, the BC Winter Games participants represent 122 communities from all corners of the province,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “These Games bring people together and strengthen community connections, while also generating significant benefits to local businesses. Our government is proud to continue to support the BC Games Society, and we are committed to encouraging B.C. athletes on their journey from the playing field to the podium, or wherever they go next”. 

The 2022 BC Winter Games, a provincial celebration of sport and community development, will be held from March 23 to 26, 2023, in Greater Vernon, situated on the unceded traditional territory of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation. The Games were originally scheduled to take place in February of 2022 before organizers decided to postpone to 2023 due to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding and wildfires in many parts of the province. The official name of the event remains the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games. 

“This event is the culmination of years of hard work from the host community and our participants,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “The BC Games represent a chance to bring the province together in a celebration of sport and community development and the effects will be felt in Greater Vernon for years to come.” 

The 895 athletes are set to compete in 15 different sports and will be supported by over 300 coaches and 140 officials, who ensure participants have the best possible experience at the Games. The Games are set to have a positive and lasting impact on Greater Vernon. The extended community has come together with the strength of over 1,400 volunteers helping to put on the Games. 

“We are ready and thrilled to be welcoming BC’s top athletes, coaches and officials to Greater Vernon,” said Nicky Dunlop, President of the Greater Vernon BC Winter Games. “The way that our community has rallied around these Games to deliver an exceptional experience for the athletes has been amazing, and we can’t wait to kick off this celebration of sport.” 

The BC Winter and BC Summer Games were established in 1978 to bring young people around B.C. together through sport and friendship. BC Games participants who have gone on to compete for Team Canada at the Olympic or Paralympic Games include: Micah Zandee-Hart (Ice Hockey); Mollie Jepsen (Para Alpine Skiing); Natalie Wilkie (Para Nordic Skiing); Bo Hedges (Wheelchair Basketball); Meryeta O’Dine (Snowboardcross); Julia Grosso (Soccer); and Brent Hayden (Swimming). 

Key Dates for the BC Winter Games
Opening Ceremony: 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 23 – Kal Tire PlaceDoors open at 5:30 with the ceremony starting at 7:00 pm. Come early to get a good seat, enjoy entertainment and concession, and the opportunity to purchase Games merchandise.
Competitions: Friday, March 24 until noon Sunday, March 26 

Learn More: For more information about the BC Winter Games, visit: www.bcgames.org

For more information about the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries- organizations/ministries/tourism-arts-culture

Media Contact:
David Conlin
Marketing and Communications Manager
BC Games Society
davidc@bcgames.org

Over 1300 participants set for BC Winter Games in Greater Vernon

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The 895 athletes, 300 coaches and 140 officials attending the Games hail from 122 communities across the province and represent 84 constituencies in BC. Competing in 15 different sports, most athletes will be attending their first multi-sport Games.

The BC Winter Games were originally scheduled to take place in February of 2022 before organizers decided to postpone to 2023 due to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding and wildfires in many parts of the province. The official name of the event remains the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games.

The over 1,400 volunteers in Greater Vernon will come together to ensure the participants have exceptional competition and a first-rate experience with an Opening Ceremony, special events, and wonderful hospitality.

The BC Winter and BC Summer Games were established in 1978 to bring young people around BC together through sport and friendship. BC Games participants who have gone on to compete for Team Canada at the Olympic or Paralympic Games include Micah Zandee-Hart (Ice Hockey), Mollie Jepsen (Para Alpine Skiing) and Natalie Wilkie (Para Nordic Skiing) among many others.

For more information about the BC Winter Games, please visit bcgames.org/. To access photos from the event, visit the BC Games Flickr page.

Quick Facts:

  • Greater Vernon hosted the BC Winter Games in 1992 and 2012, as well as the 1982 BC Summer Games.
  • Competitors represent eight geographic zones: Kootenays (Zone 1), Thompson-Okanagan (Zone 2), Fraser Valley (Zone 3), Fraser River (Zone 4), Vancouver-Coastal (Zone 5), Vancouver Island-Central Coast (Zone 6), North West (Zone 7) and Cariboo-North East (Zone 8).
  • To date, 40 communities have hosted BC Winter and/or BC Summer Games.
  • Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games participants will compete in alpine skiing, archery, artistic gymnastics, badminton, biathlon, cross country skiing (including para), curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, judo, karate, rhythmic gymnastics, ringette, snowboarding, and wheelchair basketball.
  • More than 350,000 participants and volunteers have taken part in BC Winter and BC Summer Games over the past 44 years.

Key Dates for the BC Winter Games
Opening Ceremony: 7:00 pm, Thursday, March 23 – Kal Tire Place
Competitions: Friday, March 24 until noon Sunday, March 26 – Full Sport Schedule

PARTICIPANT LIST
To find out who is registered for the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games, visit our online Participant List, which is searchable by city, sport, and name:

https://bcgames.org/games/participant-lists-and-results/

To search participants by community:
Step 1: Choose Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games
Step 2: Choose List of all Participants
Step 3: Choose All from the Sport dropdown list (bottom of the list)
Choose the community from the dropdown list
Step 4: Click Submit

PLEASE NOTE: The Participant List and numbers are subject to change until the close of the Accreditation at 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 23.

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Media Contact:
David Conlin
Communications Manager
BC Games Society
davidc@bcgames.org

Official name unveiled for the 2024 BC Winter Games

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In recognition of the partnership between the community of Quesnel and Lhtako Dene Nation, the BC Games Society has announced that the 2024 BC Winter Games will officially be named the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games.

The announcement marks the first time in the history of the BC Games that a city and First Nations community have been featured together in the official name of the event. Driven by local dialogue, the initiative is part of Quesnel’s ongoing commitment to recognizing Lhtako Dene’s traditional territory, ways of life, and continued cultural presence in the region.

The Lhtako Dene Nation is part of the Dakelh (or Southern Dakelh) Nation in the Athapaskan language group. The multi-sport Games, which will bring thousands of B.C.’s top young athletes, coaches, and officials to the region, represent a unique opportunity to immerse participants from all over the province to the culture and history of the Lhtako Dene people.

The Lhtako Dene Nation and the City of Quesnel are partnering with the Cariboo Regional District and Quesnel School District to bring the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games to life. To learn more about the Games, visit bcgames.org/.
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Quotes
Chief and Council, Lhtako Dene Nation
“These Games are about more than just a sporting event. They will present an opportunity to gather and share our traditional ways of life that have been practiced for thousands of years and will continue to carry on. Lhtako Dene Nation is excited to welcome participants and spectators to our unceded territory and look forward to creating memories, building community and sharing knowledge that will last a lifetime.”

Mayor Paull, City of Quesnel
“The City of Quesnel is proud to be a part of the Lhtako Quesnel 2024 BC Winter Games and we are very pleased to be hosting these Games in a true partnership with the Lhtako Dene Nation. This first joint naming and hosting of the BC Winter Games is both an historic first and it will serve to deepen the relationship between the City of Quesnel and the Lhtako Dene Nation.”

Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“The BC Winter Games are a shining example of the power of sport in our communities. Reconciliation is at the heart everything we do, and it is a key focus in our strategic framework, the Pathways to Sport. The Province is particularly excited about this initiative because it highlights how partnerships with First Nations can be advanced to benefit everyone. Congratulations to the Lhtako Dene Nation and the community of Quesnel. We look forward to these memorable Games in 2024”.

Alison Noble, BC Games Society President and CEO
“This initiative was driven by the local community in the spirit of reconciliation and in recognition of the true joint partnership between the Lhtako Dene Nation and local partners to put on this event. The naming of the Games is only the beginning and we’re excited to see this partnership grow.”

Media Contact
David Conlin
Communications Manager
BC Games Society
250.356.5254
davidc@bcgames.org

Camosun College Students Create New Torch

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Through a partnership between BC Games Society and Camosun Innovates, design of the new torch began as a student-led initiative that was the basis of a capstone project for four students from the Mechanical Engineering Diploma program at Camosun. Once the concept was approved, the applied research arm of the college stepped in so Lacey Reay, one of the students involved, could take the torch from idea to full implementation.

“The goal was to make it a more robust flame and something that was going to be safe, reliable and durable that maintained burning for the length of time needed for real-world use,” explains Reay. “The capstone design ticked those boxes and my job at Camosun Innovates has been to make it more refined, and to enhance the overall mechanics behind the design to improve the refueling mechanism and to make it as user friendly as possible.”

Camosun Innovates, the applied research department of the college, provided Reay with the resources to design, test and build the torch. With a clean fuel source that produces a consistent low-emission flame and the addition of a protective shut off valve, the new design prioritizes safety and usability.

“The torch gives me great hope and will shine brightly on upcoming athletes and champions for many years to come,” says Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “The team-based, creative collaboration between Indigenous artists, organizers and students will celebrate athletes, communities and the spirit of the BC Games.”

“Relevant, innovative and applied learning that ignites passion is a hallmark of a Camosun education,” says Lane Trotter, President of Camosun. “The torch for the BC Games Society is a great example of how Camosun can bring access to new technologies and techniques from the college to local organizations.”

The look and feel of the new torch is striking and based on elements designed by Indigenous artist Jamin Zuroski from the Namgis First Nation. The design includes bands of cedar woven into the carbon fibre shell.

“We are very excited about this new torch and what it represents,” says Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “The partnership with Camosun Innovates has created a torch that has brought the sport, academic and Indigenous communities together for a common purpose.”

The torch will be used at all Games including the BC Summer Games in Prince George, July 21 to 24, 2022 and the BC Winter Games in Greater Vernon, March 23-26, 2023.

Click here to see the original press release on the Camosun College website.

Winter Edition of Coach Mentorship Program Wraps Up

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Coaching in any form requires relationship building, knowledge transfer, and passion, all of which can be difficult to foster over any single season, never mind over a pandemic plagued one punctuated by the postponement of the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games. However, the BC Games Coach Mentorship program found a means to “reimagine” its delivery and achieve the all-important coach development connection.

A partnership between the BC Games Society, viaSport, and the Canadian Sport Institute – Pacific (CSI-Pacific), the BC Games Coach Mentorship Program provides Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) with the opportunity to benefit from a targeted coach development structure, centred around the BC Winter or BC Summer Games. Lead by viaSport’s Emily Vickery and Master Mentor Coach Kurt Innes, of CSI-Pacific, the program aims to build coaching capacity across the BC sport system, leveraging the unique coaching experience of a multi-sport games. The coming together of coaches from various sports, representing their zone team, rather than their club, along with the added responsibility of team supervision give coaches the experiences to move along the pathway to higher levels, like the Canada Games. The program is structured around the needs of each sport and is intended to leave behind a coach mentorship model for future coaches to benefit from.

Eight Coach Mentors from across seven PSOs took part in this year’s BC Winter Games edition of the program, which involved a myriad of rollout components including PSO driven applications, welcome webinar, NCCP Mentorship Education module, and a series of one-on-one goal setting sessions. In lieu of the postponed 2022 BC Winter Games, participants gathered for a virtual coaching forum, facilitating valuable knowledge sharing, particularly pertaining to how coaches maintained athlete development and progression despite the challenges brought on by a sport season unlike any other.

“I was excited to work with this amazing group of coaches and see their confidence and competence as senior coaches grow. They are now exposed to a coach mentorship model that can be applied to a variety of coaches in various sports” said Kurt Innes, Master Mentor Coach.

This year’s BC Winter Games Coach Mentorship Program benefited from the participation of some outstanding coaches, such as Biathlon BC’s Chris Halldorson. To learn more about Chris’s coaching background and his experience with the BC Games Coach Mentorship Program, CLICK HERE.

The BC Games Coach Mentorship program will continue for the Prince George 2022 BC Summer Games

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We respectfully acknowledge the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) People, also known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations, and recognize that our work in this province spans the territories of more than 200 First Nations, as well as Métis and Inuit communities.

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