Victoria, BC (April 30, 2020) — Team BC staff are sharing uplifting messages with athletes, coaches, managers and volunteers to keep them inspired and active following the announcement in March that the Halifax 2020 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) are postponed.

The Be the Spark campaign kicked off on April 30 with a video of Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) and Team BC staff offering messages to ignite positivity and to keep athletes motivated to stay connected during these challenging times.

(Link to video: https://youtu.be/0OcFIeJuJJo)

The Games, that were to bring together over 5,000 Indigenous youth from across North America to experience a major international sport competition and to share and celebrate their cultural heritages, were to be held in July but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic

“Team BC athletes and Development Squad athletes are encouraged to stay in touch with one another virtually through online workouts, video chat meetings, social media and teamwork challenges like the Team BC 19U female basketball Development Squad’s recent video of virtual catch,” said Team BC Chef de Mission Lara Mussell Savage. “We remind everyone to keep moving, keep soaring and Be the Spark.”

(Link to 19U basketball video: https://youtu.be/QrGJ1tTJXNY)

I·SPARC, the body that oversees the Team BC performance sport program, has introduced a number of initiatives for athletes and the general public to join them in staying active at home. Starting this Friday, FitNation (also run by I·SPARC) program leaders from across the province will share the Home Workout Series. This is a series of videos that will be posted to the I·SPARC social media channels (including YouTube) every week.

(Link to FitNation Home Workout Series promo here: https://youtu.be/9mCRRzrQGMY)

There is four workouts so far that will be launched in the coming weeks – introductory, intermediate, advanced, and chair modifications. All you need is a little space, a sip of water and yourself. You can get your workout in at any time. That’s what FitNation is all about; anyone, anytime, anywhere.

For more information contact:

Felicia Greekas

Manager, Premier’s Awards and Communications

fgreekas@isparc.ca