Team BC – Toronto, ON – Camryn Scully and Keegan Charlie will carry the British Columbia and Team BC flags into the Opening Ceremony of the 2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). “These athletes were nominated by Team BC coaches because they exemplify the spirit of fair play,” stated Lara Mussell Savage, Team BC Chef de Mission. “We are very fortunate to have two athletes who are outstanding role models representing Team BC at the Opening Ceremony.

“What a huge honour to have been chosen to be Team BC’s flag bearer,” Camryn said. “I have been training hard and improving steadily all year. I am so happy and grateful to be recognized for my efforts.” Camryn is Métis and resides in Prince George, BC. In addition to representing the Province on the U16 Female Softball Team, Camryn is also a talented hockey player, playing for Team BC at the 2017 National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC) and a recipient of the Premier’s Awards for Aboriginal Youth Excellence in Sport for the Northeast Region.

“It’s a big deal for me to be the flag bearer for Team BC because it means I am leading in so many great athletes who are representing our province into the Opening Ceremony,” said Keegan. “It’s a great honour.” Keegan is from Musqueam and Sts’ailes First Nations and resides in Agassiz, BC, he will be competing on the U19 Male Soccer Team. Keegan plays in the BC Premier League and in 2016, he was a recipient of the Premier’s Awards for Aboriginal Youth Excellence in Sport.

Camryn and Keegan embody what Team BC athletes are all about: ambassadors on and off the field of play. Both athletes have been recognized for their outstanding athletic achievement, commitment to culture, community service and leadership skills.

“It is a privilege to lead Team BC to the 2017 North American Indigenous Games,” said Mussell Savage. “The coaches, athletes and support staff have worked diligently to prepare for the Games, providing the support needed to make the NAIG journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all of Team BC.”

Team BC Background
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is responsible for managing the Team BC Programs for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC). Through the support and oversight of its Team BC Work Group and Provincial Sport Committees, I·SPARC has established a comprehensive Team BC program that includes provincial development programs and selection processes for athletes and coaches that will compete on behalf of British Columbia in national and international competitions. For the 2017 NAIG, over 500 Indigenous athletes and coaches have been selected to represent British Columbia in the following 13 sports: 3D Archery, Athletics (Track & Field, Cross-Country), Badminton, Basketball, Canoe/Kayak, Golf, Lacrosse (Box), Rifle Shooting, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Volleyball, Wrestling.

About the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council
I·SPARC is a consortium of the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, the First Nations Health Authority, and Métis Nation BC. As the stewards of BC’s Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Strategy, I·SPARC works with First Nations, Métis Chartered Communities, Friendship Centres, schools and other sport and physical activity stakeholders to deliver community-based programs designed to promote active lifestyles and support the desire for transformative change in the health and well-being of Indigenous communities, families and individuals across B.C. For more information, please visit: www.isparc.ca.

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Media contact:
Justine Johnson
Team BC Communications Manager
jjohnson@isparc.ca
778.899.3234
www.isparc.ca

Team BC Flag Bearers Announced! From left to right: Camryn Scully, Métis Nation, U16 Softball, Michael Dumont, Métis Nation BC Regional Director and Minister of Sport, Annette Morgan, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres President, and Keegan Charlie, Musqueam and Sts’ailes Nations, U19 Soccer