麻豆社区

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I路SPARC) has announced the six outstanding athletes named as the Interior regional recipients of the 2020 Premier鈥檚 Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport. A Yukoner is among them.

The athletes are:

鈥� Tuja聽 Dreyer, 13, Judo, swimming and wrestling, Kelowna,聽 B.C., Ross River Dena Council;

鈥� Isaac Bedford, 16, archery, 150 Mile House,聽 M茅tis Nation B.C.;

鈥� Daine Dubois, 21,聽 hockey,聽 Williams Lake,聽 Cariboo Chilcotin Metis Association;

鈥� James Hamming, 20, snowboard cross racing, Kamloops,聽 B.C., Splatsin First Nation;

鈥� Clinton Kaboni, 18, Field Lacrosse and Cross-Country, Merritt,聽 Nipissing First Nation; and

鈥� Darian Williams, 17, archery, Vernon,聽 B.C., Splatsin First Nation.

I路SPARC, in collaboration with the province of British Columbia, launched the regional nomination process in late 2020.

It received nominations from each of I路SPARC鈥檚 six regions (Fraser, Interior, Northeast, Northwest, Vancouver Coastal, and Vancouver Island) for Indigenous athletes, under 25 years of age, who are competing in performance sport, and demonstrating a commitment to their education, culture, and promoting healthy and active lifestyles.

鈥淐ongratulations to all the regional winners of the Premier鈥檚 Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport,鈥� said Melanie Mark, B.C.鈥檚 minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

鈥淚鈥檓 so proud of your accomplishments both on the field and in your community. Your outstanding achievements are a source of pride, especially for your family, coaches, and everyone who has supported and encouraged you along the way.

鈥淭his, to me, is reconciliation in action,鈥� Mark added.

鈥淢ore than ever in these challenging times, we need young people like you to give us hope. Keep following your dreams and reaching for the stars.鈥�

Due to the pandemic restrictions, the regional awards celebrations could not be held this year.

As a way of honouring this year鈥檚 recipients, I路SPARC has produced a series of commemorative videos highlighting each of the region鈥檚 athletes and celebrating their outstanding achievements.

These videos will be unveiled on I路SPARC鈥檚 YouTube channel and social media channels.

鈥淚 personally congratulate the recipients in the Interior region,鈥� said Bruce Baptiste, the Interior I路SPARC regional lead.

鈥淣ow, more than ever, inspirational leaders like you are helping to bring our communities together. You have honoured the province, your nations, and your families with unwavering commitment and hard work.鈥�

Over the few days, I路SPARC announced the 30 regional recipients of the Premier鈥檚 Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport, by region.

These regional recipients automatically serve as nominees for the Provincial Awards, which will be announced later this year.