Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) – The BC Games Society and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) have come together along with Basketball BC, CanoeKayak BC and the BC Lacrosse Association to expand pathways for Indigenous athletes, coaches and officials at the Cowichan 2018 BC Summer Games.
 
Building on the inclusion of Indigenous athletes in the sport of archery at the BC Winter Games, the goal of this partnership is to create increased advancement opportunities for Indigenous athletes to compete in basketball, canoe/kayak, and box lacrosse at the BC Summer Games.  With this experience, athletes can increase their potential to move forward to compete at future events such as the North American Indigenous Games or the Canada Summer Games.    
 
“This opportunity for Indigenous athletes and coaches is an extension of a long standing partnership we have with I·SPARC.  More athletes and coaches attending a BC Games provides for greater competition and coaching development, while exposing young people to a multi-sport environment assisting them on their own sport pathway.” said Kelly Mann, President and CEO of the BC Games Society.
 
In collaboration with I·SPARC, the three Provincial Sport Organizations have identified opportunities for Indigenous athletes to compete in the BC Summer Games.  I·SPARC will assist with the identification and targeting of potential athletes. 
 
“The evolution of this partnership is showing true leadership in creating a more inclusive, welcoming sport system and one that provides increased competitive opportunities for Indigenous athletes. We are extremely excited to join with these partners to create a unique experience for Indigenous athletes and coaches at the upcoming BC Summer Games and to continue to work together and grow the opportunities for Indigenous athletes and coaches in the future.” said Rick Brant, Executive Director of I·SPARC.
 
“The BC Lacrosse Association is committed to introducing, developing and fostering positive experiences for participants of Indigenous descent within Lacrosse, a sport rich in Indigenous history and culture.  We appreciate the BC Games Society’s progressive approach to include an all-Indigenous team into our BC Summer Games program.  Through our partnership with I·SPARC, the support of the Province of BC, and the tireless work of volunteers, this opportunity of an all-Indigenous box lacrosse team in the BC Summer Games is another milestone for athletes to reach between community play and the North American Indigenous Games,” said Rochelle Winterton, Executive Director of the BC Lacrosse Association.
 
The 2018 BC Summer Games take place in the Cowichan Valley July 19-22 and will include up to 3723 participants from across BC competing in 18 sports. Indigenous athletes interested in the BC Summer Games opportunities can contact I·SPARC at www.isparc.ca. 
 
For more information about the BC Summer Games please visit www.BCGames.org
 
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Provincial Contact:
Lia Threlfall
Communications Manager
BC Games Society
250-387-4688 (office)
250-812-3887 (mobile)
liat@bcgames.org
 
Lara Mussell
Director, Sport
Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council
lmussell@isparc.ca
 
Gillian Fedechko
Sport Development Coordinator
Canoe Kayak BC
gill@canoekayakbc.ca
 
Jeff Gombar
Marketing Director
BC Lacrosse Association
jeff@bclacrosse.com
 
Stephanie Rudnisky
Manager, Youth Programs and Special Events
Basketball BC
srudnisky@basketball.bc.ca