Darian Williams, 17, Archery, Vernon, Splatsin First Nation was a recipient of the Interior regional 2020 Premier's Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sports.
Image Credit: SUBMITTTED/ISPARC
May 02, 2021 - 3:07 PM
High-performing athletes from Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon and other points across the B.C Interior have been honoured for the 2020 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council in collaboration with the provincial government presented awards to Tuja Dreyer, 13, Judo, Swimming and Wrestling, Kelowna, Ross River Dena Council; James Hamming, 20, Snowboard Cross Racing, Kamloops, Splatsin First Nation; Clinton Kaboni, 18, Field Lacrosse and Cross-Country, Merritt, Nipissing First Nation; Darian Williams, 17, Archery, Vernon, Splatsin First Nation, Isaac Bedford, 16, Archery, 150 Mile House, Métis Nation BC, and Daine Dubois, 21, Hockey, Williams Lake, Cariboo Chilcotin Metis Association.
The award is 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.
“Congratulations to all the regional winners of the Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport,” Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport said.
“I’m 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. This, to me, is reconciliation in action. More 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.”
Due to the pandemic restrictions, the Regional Awards celebrations could not be held this year. As a way of honouring this year’s recipients, I·SPARC has produced a series of commemorative videos highlighting each of the region’s athletes and celebrating their outstanding achievements. These videos will be unveiled on I·SPARC’s YouTube channel and social media channels.
“I personally congratulate the recipients in the Interior region. Now, 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,” said Bruce Baptiste, Interior I·SPARC regional lead.
Over the past week, I·SPARC announced the 30 regional recipients of the Premier’s 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.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Kathy Michaels or call 250-718-0428 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
News from © iNFOnews, 2021