BC Games Society – Fin Williams (Hockey) named Team BC Flag Bearer

Team BC is ready to take on the best athletes in the country at the 2019 Canada Winter Games which open in Red Deer on February 15. 251 athletes, 46 coaches, 29 managers and technical support staff, and 23 mission staff make up Team BC and will proudly represent British Columbia at the Games. Competition will take place in 21 sports against teams from Canada’s 13 provinces and territories.  55 per cent of the Team BC athletes and coaches have previously competed at the BC Winter or BC Summer Games bringing with them valuable multi-sport Games experience.

Leading Team BC into the Opening Ceremony in Red Deer will be Fin Williams (North Vancouver) of men’s hockey.

Williams was drafted 54th overall in the 2018 Western Hockey League entry draft. He is currently the assistant captain for his Burnaby Winter Club Academy Midget Prep team. An honour roll student, he also volunteers at Covenant House helping organize donations for kids at risk in Vancouver.

The ceremonial uniforms for Team BC have also been unveiled and include a scarf designed by Indigenous contemporary artist, Jamin Zuroski. The 2019 Winter Games Team BC totem is comprised of three Indigenous West Coast totem figures: the Eagle, Bear and Orca. As well as the scarf, Zuroski’s design is incorporated into a totem puzzle pin for all athletes, coaches and support staff. Other winter gear includes jackets, shirts, toques and mittens.

Team BC finished third behind Quebec (141 medals) and Ontario (111 medals) at the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George with 88 medals – 21 gold, 34 silver, and 33 bronze.

Many high-level athletes have launched their athletic careers through the BC Games and Team BC. At the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games, 19 Team BC alumni were part of Team Canada. 2018 Olympic medallist in bobsleigh, Justin Kripps (Summerland), is the Honourary Captain for Team BC for these Games and is an alumnus of the 2005 Canada Summer Games.

Quotes:

Minister Lisa Beare – Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
“Competing at the Canada Winter Games is an exceptional athletic achievement,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “The national stage showcases the talent, dedication and spirit our athletes, coaches and staff have in sport and it gives all of us the opportunity to show our support and cheer them on.”

Jennifer Scott, Team BC – Chef de Mission
“I can’t tell you how proud I am to lead a group of dedicated athletes, coaches and sport staff to the 2019 Canada Winter Games. We have done all we can to prepare our team. Now it’s their turn to put all that practice into competition. I’m excited to watch our team perform at the Games.”

Justin Kripps, Olympian and Team BC Honourary Captain
“Canada Games is the experience of a lifetime. It will probably be the biggest event these athletes have been to at this point. They have a lot of people they are representing back home but I just advise them to enjoy the experience, go out there and do their best.

Fin Williams, Team BC – Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer
“I’ve really wanted to make this team for a long time. It means a lot to me and my family. It’s an event that’s bigger than hockey. I just want to say to all of my teammates in hockey and outside of hockey to be grateful and make the best of every opportunity at the Games!”

Get the latest Team BC news including a complete list of Team BC athletes and their hometowns at this link https://www.teambc.org/News/Media-Services.

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About Team BC 

Team BC brings together the best athletes, coaches, managers, and mission staff to represent British Columbia at the Canada Summer and Winter Games. Team BC will send a delegation of 349 athletes, coaches, managers, and mission staff to represent British Columbia at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, February 15 to March 3. Visit www.teambc.org for the latest news and updates.

About the Canada Games
The Canada Games are a national multi-sport competition with participation from every province and territory in Canada. The Games are held every two years, alternating between winter and summer. The 2019
Canada Winter Games will be held February 15 to March 3 in Red Deer, bringing together approximately 3600 athletes, coaches, and managers from every province and territory to compete in 19 sports. Visit www.canadagames.ca to learn more.

Contact:

Judy Joseph Black
Team BC Communications Manager
BC Games Society
judyjb@bcgames.org
C: 250-812-7189
 

Links:

Media Services –  https://www.teambc.org/News/Media-Services
Hometown List – Click here for list of athletes by hometown
Participant Bios (Find an Athlete) – available from Canada Games https://cg2019.gems.pro