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BC Games Leadership Bursary winners announced for Greater Vernon BC Winter Games

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Athletes, youth coaches, and officials taking part in the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games (in 2023) were invited to apply for the BC Games Leadership Bursary. Supported by Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, this bursary aims to recognize participants under 19 years of age who have achieved in academics and sport while going above and beyond in their communities through leadership and volunteer activities.

Sixteen participants (two per zone) were selected to receive a $1,000 bursary to support their future sport or educational pursuits and presented with a commemorative plaque during the Games.

Kootenays (Zone 1)

Paige Purcell – Alpine Skiing (Bonnington)

Paige has helped raise over $110,000 for various charities including the BC Children’s Hospital, Make a Wish, and Ronald McDonald House in addition to serving as a Can Skate program assistant with Nelson Figure Skating Club.

Gabriel Janz – Biathlon (Nelson)

Gabriel has been volunteering with the BC SPCA for the past 6 years and has served as a leader for outdoor summer camps. He is a talented piano player and placed fourth in classic distance at the 2023 Western Canada Championship in Kimberly.

Thompson-Okanagan (Zone 2)

Claire Penner – Ringette (Coldstream)

Claire’s sport achievements include being a member of the North Okanagan regional ringette team and Kalamalka Secondary senior girls basketball team as a grade 10 student. Besides being an athlete, Claire is involved in sport as an assistant coach (volleyball) and as a minor official (ringette). Claire is a straight A student and in 2022 won the Kalamalka Secondary Math Challenge and ChatterHigh Career and College Exploration Award.

Colton McHatten – Snowboarding (Sun Peaks)

Colton took home two gold and one bronze medals at the 2023 provincial championships. He is a straight A student and is working to graduate early from high school. He hopes to continue competing at the NorAm level.

Fraser Valley (Zone 3)

Audrey Allister Ordonez – Figure Skating (Chilliwack)

Audrey ranked first in BC in the star 7 category and third in star 8 for the 2022-23 year. Audrey has earned numerous awards as a standout student, including the 4.0 GPA Plaque, Exemplary Scholar Award, and Citizenship Award. She hopes to attend UBC and be a part of Cirque Du Soleil on Ice upon graduating from high school.

Soren Andreassen – Judo (Chilliwack)

This season, Soren took home silver at the Rainier Cup, Peak International, and Saskatchewan Open tournaments. He is an Honour Roll student and has received awards of high achievement in school. He teaches sailing during the summer and has volunteered his time at various judo tournaments in the Lower Mainland.

Fraser River (Zone 4)

Julia Pedley Chan – Figure Skating (New Westminster)

Julia is a Skate Canada Quad Gold Skater, having completed Gold Dance and Artistic this year. She placed 3rd at the BC StarSkate Finals in Juvenile U12 and finished the year as the Star 7 Women Regional Champion. Through her studies in the Flex Humanities Mini School Program at Vancouver Technical Secondary, she has maintained a 97% average and assisted with PhD research. She was chosen to participate in the 2022 BC Social Studies Teachers Association Annual Conference and has continued volunteering weekly at the New West Famers Market and with her figure skating club, along with competitions in her hometown.

Maksym Klymenko – Judo (Coquitlam)

Maksym has capture numerous judo medals, most recently at an interprovincial competition in Saskatchewan earlier this year. He has been recognized for his advanced knowledge and proficiency in math by his teacher and pears as well as developed a passion for programming, creating mobile games and other applications. Through his school’s leadership program, he has created and implemented a plan to make it a more welcoming and enjoyable environment for all students.

Vancouver-Coastal (Zone 5)

Amanda Lee – Karate (Vancouver)

Amanda is an eleven-time karate provincial champion and nine-time Canada Open medalist, dating back to 2016. She is a straight A and Honour Roll student and has competed in numerous competitions as part of the debate, math, Mandarin poetry recitation, and public speaking teams. Amanda is a junior instructor and official at her karate club and aspires to compete internationally as part of the National Team.

Markus Tai – Archery (Richmond)

In 2018, Markus placed first and set a provincial record in recurve at the BC Archery Junior Olympian Program Competition. He has volunteered as a Range Safety Officer since 2021, after receiving 90% in the Archery Canada Safety Office Exam, while also coaching young students on weekly basis as a Hapkido Black Belt instructor.

Vancouver Island-Central Coast (Zone 6)

Gwenyth Kerr – Biathlon (Comox)

Gwenyth was the top finisher at the BC Winter Games biathlon qualifying race. She received the overall academic excellence award at her grade 7 graduation, having the highest overall grades in her year. She enjoys helping kids and find a passion for both biathlon and sailing. Gwenyth’s future goals include pursuing a post-secondary education in the medical field.

Tyson Popove – Freestyle Skiing (Campbell River)

Tyson’s proudest sport accomplishment is coming away with gold in moguls at the SunPeaks Timber Tour earlier this year. He often goes above and beyond his assigned work at school and enjoys volunteering to shovel snow and dirt, build jumps, an fundraise for skiing and BMX competitions.

North West (Zone 7)

Molly Mertin – Ringette (Terrace)

Molly as named the Jr Girls Basketball MVP for her zone in 2022 – the same year she qualified for the XC Running Championships in Victoria and won the SX Cup with her club soccer team. Molly tutors her teammates in math and volunteers during lunch hours to mentor younger students and students with an intellectual disability.

Taisiya Kasum – Figure Skating (Smithers)

The past two years, Taisiya has given back by teaching kids in her community to skate, volunteering at the animal shelter, and raising money for people in Ukraine. She earned first place at the Kla How Ya Competition and CNCR Regional for Star 7 Artistic. She graduated from elementary school with extending grades, having learned French and Russian.

Cariboo-North East (Zone 8)

Addison Paulson – Ringette (Prince George)

Addison is an affiliate player on the U16 Team BC – a competitive ringette team comprised of players from across the province. She has consistently achieved straight A’s while enrolled in French immersion and received the Academic Award for the top grade 10 student at her high school in 2022, where she is student council President.

Tanner McConkey – Cross Country (Prince George)

Tanner came in 10th place at the 2022 Canadian National Championship in the 10km classic competition and was the top Canadian U16 skier at the 2023 World Junior Qualifier in the 20km classic distance and 10km skate distance. He has served as a coach assistant to young kids at the Calediona Nordic Ski Club and the Prince George Canoe and Kayak Club.

Thank you to all participants who took the time to share their involvement and achievement in your sport, at school, and as a leader in the community through their application to the BC Games Leadership Bursary.

We hope that the Games were a memorable experience and encourage all applicants to look for ways to continue to exhibit leadership in sport, at school, and in their community.

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Langley’s Derrick Cruz wins W.R. Bennett Award for Athletic Excellence

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Langley karate athlete Derrick Cruz was presented with the W.R. Bennett Award for Athletic Excellence on Sunday in recognition of his outstanding achievements on and off the mat.

The award recognizes one athlete at each BC Winter and BC Summer Games who demonstrates athletic achievement and leadership and includes a $2500 bursary. Sunday’s presentation was made by Greater Vernon President Nicky Dunlop as part of the final day of karate competition at Kalamalka Secondary School in Coldstream.

At the Greater Vernon BC Winter Games, Cruz took home three gold medals in the Team Kata, Individual Kata, and Individual Kumite events.

“We are so happy that Derrick is awarded with this generous award. Derrick’s achievements are a good testimony to his dedication, resilience, and persistence – and he does it all with grace, calm, and the best attitude ever at his young age,” said Fraser Valley Zone 3 head coach Kamelia Fard.

“We are so proud of him and feel blessed to be a part of his exciting life journey from every aspect; excelling in the sport of karate, academic advancement, and watching him grow to a wonderful member of his community.”

Cruz was awarded the Karate BC Sportsmanship Award when he was U12 and the Karate BC Athlete of the Year Award in 2022 after winning a trio of gold medals in his age category at the Karate BC Provincial Championships in Richmond. He is a standout competitor in both Kata and Kumite, which is unique as most karate athletes compete in only one discipline.

In his free time, Cruz volunteers at his karate club teaching students as well as at community events in support of at-risk families and anti-bullying initiatives. His goal is to represent Canada in both Kata and Kumite at the 2023 Junior Pan American Karate Championships.

Through his extensive volunteering and leadership, Cruz has truly embodied the values of the BC Games Culture of the Games, which promotes positivity, respectfulness, inclusivity, and accessibility for all participants.

“He is gifted with a strong character and is a good example of setting goals and staying focused on them no matter what obstacles come on the way,” said Fard.

The W.R. Bennett Award for Athletic Excellence was named in honour of the former Premier of British Columbia, Bill Bennett, who was instrumental in starting the BC Summer and BC Winter Games program in 1978. The award was first presented by Bennett at the 2008 BC Summer Games, which were hosted in his hometown of Kelowna.

ProMOTION Plus Award Winner

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On Friday, March 24th, the BC Games Society presented a ProMOTION Plus leadership award to a member of our community. The ProMOTION Plus Leadership Awards were established to recognize exceptional individuals or organizations making significant contributions to the women and girls of BC in sport, recreation, and healthy living.

We were very proud to present Deana Francks the ProMOTION Plus Leadership Award at the 2022 BC Winter Games as the BC Games Society is a leader in the sport system in providing access and opportunities for girls and women.

Deana Francks started mountain biking approximately 20 years ago, joining a group ride with a local bike shop. She instantly fell in love with the sport and the joy it brought to her life.

Working with the North Okanagan Cycling Society and local bike shops, Deana started a women specific weekly bike ride nearly a decade ago to provide a safe and comfortable environment for women to learn and practice riding skills and explore mountain biking regions around the North Okanagan. The group rides have grown so enormously that multiple volunteers are required to break the groups into different riding levels to accommodate demand.

Recognizing the need and desire for competitive mountain biking among women, Deana created, organizes and runs an annual all-women’s enduro mountain bike race in Vernon. Not only does the race sell out every year, with a waitlist, it also is stacked with diverse volunteers who come out to support the racers. Deana works tirelessly to ensure the competition runs smoothly and her enthusiasm is contagious.

Deana has made this sport accessible to many women, from beginners to competitive riders, affecting individual riders and also the community as a whole.

When asked why she created the event, she replied “[s]haring the passion for sport is so uplifting and providing the opportunity for women to challenge themselves, create opportunity for growth, meet new friends and spend the day riding bikes together is the best!”

Deana has made this sport accessible to many women, from beginners to competitive riders, affecting individual riders and also the community as a whole. She feels strongly that, particularly for girls and young women, being connected to sports and the outdoors is an important social feature in their lives that must continue to be actively supported by everyone in the community.

Greater Vernon ready to kick off BC Winter Games

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Around 900 of the province’s top young athletes are arriving in Greater Vernon for the opening of the BC Winter Games and the chance to compete in 15 sports. 

“From Prince George to Kelowna, the BC Winter Games participants represent 122 communities from all corners of the province,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “These Games bring people together and strengthen community connections, while also generating significant benefits to local businesses. Our government is proud to continue to support the BC Games Society, and we are committed to encouraging B.C. athletes on their journey from the playing field to the podium, or wherever they go next”. 

The 2022 BC Winter Games, a provincial celebration of sport and community development, will be held from March 23 to 26, 2023, in Greater Vernon, situated on the unceded traditional territory of the Syilx People of the Okanagan Nation. The Games were originally scheduled to take place in February of 2022 before organizers decided to postpone to 2023 due to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding and wildfires in many parts of the province. The official name of the event remains the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games. 

“This event is the culmination of years of hard work from the host community and our participants,” said Alison Noble, President and CEO of the BC Games Society. “The BC Games represent a chance to bring the province together in a celebration of sport and community development and the effects will be felt in Greater Vernon for years to come.” 

The 895 athletes are set to compete in 15 different sports and will be supported by over 300 coaches and 140 officials, who ensure participants have the best possible experience at the Games. The Games are set to have a positive and lasting impact on Greater Vernon. The extended community has come together with the strength of over 1,400 volunteers helping to put on the Games. 

“We are ready and thrilled to be welcoming BC’s top athletes, coaches and officials to Greater Vernon,” said Nicky Dunlop, President of the Greater Vernon BC Winter Games. “The way that our community has rallied around these Games to deliver an exceptional experience for the athletes has been amazing, and we can’t wait to kick off this celebration of sport.” 

The BC Winter and BC Summer Games were established in 1978 to bring young people around B.C. together through sport and friendship. BC Games participants who have gone on to compete for Team Canada at the Olympic or Paralympic Games include: Micah Zandee-Hart (Ice Hockey); Mollie Jepsen (Para Alpine Skiing); Natalie Wilkie (Para Nordic Skiing); Bo Hedges (Wheelchair Basketball); Meryeta O’Dine (Snowboardcross); Julia Grosso (Soccer); and Brent Hayden (Swimming). 

Key Dates for the BC Winter Games
Opening Ceremony: 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 23 – Kal Tire PlaceDoors open at 5:30 with the ceremony starting at 7:00 pm. Come early to get a good seat, enjoy entertainment and concession, and the opportunity to purchase Games merchandise.
Competitions: Friday, March 24 until noon Sunday, March 26 

Learn More: For more information about the BC Winter Games, visit: www.bcgames.org

For more information about the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/ministries- organizations/ministries/tourism-arts-culture

Media Contact:
David Conlin
Marketing and Communications Manager
BC Games Society
davidc@bcgames.org

Inclusion Awareness Top of Mind

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The Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games Board made inclusion awareness a priority. They wanted all volunteers to have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and awareness of the diversity of individuals involved in the Games, participant, volunteers, guests, and spectators. The goal was to make the BC Winter Games Everybody’s Games.

They undertook to update materials that can be used as resources for volunteers as they interact with others, both at the Games and in their everyday lives. Other initiatives include a space on the accreditation badges where volunteers, participants, and guests can add pronoun stickers, if they choose to do so.

Under the leadership of the Inclusion Chair for the Games, Kristy Ware, an awareness session was developed. Kristy, an accomplished author and speaker, led three in-person sessions and recorded a session for others to watch on their own.

The session can be watched on the BC Games YouTube channel.

 

Over 1300 participants set for BC Winter Games in Greater Vernon

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The 895 athletes, 300 coaches and 140 officials attending the Games hail from 122 communities across the province and represent 84 constituencies in BC. Competing in 15 different sports, most athletes will be attending their first multi-sport Games.

The BC Winter Games were originally scheduled to take place in February of 2022 before organizers decided to postpone to 2023 due to several factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding and wildfires in many parts of the province. The official name of the event remains the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games.

The over 1,400 volunteers in Greater Vernon will come together to ensure the participants have exceptional competition and a first-rate experience with an Opening Ceremony, special events, and wonderful hospitality.

The BC Winter and BC Summer Games were established in 1978 to bring young people around BC together through sport and friendship. BC Games participants who have gone on to compete for Team Canada at the Olympic or Paralympic Games include Micah Zandee-Hart (Ice Hockey), Mollie Jepsen (Para Alpine Skiing) and Natalie Wilkie (Para Nordic Skiing) among many others.

For more information about the BC Winter Games, please visit staging.bcgames.org/. To access photos from the event, visit the BC Games Flickr page.

Quick Facts:

  • Greater Vernon hosted the BC Winter Games in 1992 and 2012, as well as the 1982 BC Summer Games.
  • Competitors represent eight geographic zones: Kootenays (Zone 1), Thompson-Okanagan (Zone 2), Fraser Valley (Zone 3), Fraser River (Zone 4), Vancouver-Coastal (Zone 5), Vancouver Island-Central Coast (Zone 6), North West (Zone 7) and Cariboo-North East (Zone 8).
  • To date, 40 communities have hosted BC Winter and/or BC Summer Games.
  • Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games participants will compete in alpine skiing, archery, artistic gymnastics, badminton, biathlon, cross country skiing (including para), curling, figure skating, freestyle skiing, judo, karate, rhythmic gymnastics, ringette, snowboarding, and wheelchair basketball.
  • More than 350,000 participants and volunteers have taken part in BC Winter and BC Summer Games over the past 44 years.

Key Dates for the BC Winter Games
Opening Ceremony: 7:00 pm, Thursday, March 23 – Kal Tire Place
Competitions: Friday, March 24 until noon Sunday, March 26 – Full Sport Schedule

PARTICIPANT LIST
To find out who is registered for the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games, visit our online Participant List, which is searchable by city, sport, and name:

https://staging.bcgames.org/games/participant-lists-and-results/

To search participants by community:
Step 1: Choose Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games
Step 2: Choose List of all Participants
Step 3: Choose All from the Sport dropdown list (bottom of the list)
Choose the community from the dropdown list
Step 4: Click Submit

PLEASE NOTE: The Participant List and numbers are subject to change until the close of the Accreditation at 5:00 pm on Thursday, March 23.

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Media Contact:
David Conlin
Communications Manager
BC Games Society
davidc@bcgames.org

Winter Edition of Coach Mentorship Program Wraps Up

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Coaching in any form requires relationship building, knowledge transfer, and passion, all of which can be difficult to foster over any single season, never mind over a pandemic plagued one punctuated by the postponement of the Greater Vernon 2022 BC Winter Games. However, the BC Games Coach Mentorship program found a means to “reimagine” its delivery and achieve the all-important coach development connection.

A partnership between the BC Games Society, viaSport, and the Canadian Sport Institute – Pacific (CSI-Pacific), the BC Games Coach Mentorship Program provides Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) with the opportunity to benefit from a targeted coach development structure, centred around the BC Winter or BC Summer Games. Lead by viaSport’s Emily Vickery and Master Mentor Coach Kurt Innes, of CSI-Pacific, the program aims to build coaching capacity across the BC sport system, leveraging the unique coaching experience of a multi-sport games. The coming together of coaches from various sports, representing their zone team, rather than their club, along with the added responsibility of team supervision give coaches the experiences to move along the pathway to higher levels, like the Canada Games. The program is structured around the needs of each sport and is intended to leave behind a coach mentorship model for future coaches to benefit from.

Eight Coach Mentors from across seven PSOs took part in this year’s BC Winter Games edition of the program, which involved a myriad of rollout components including PSO driven applications, welcome webinar, NCCP Mentorship Education module, and a series of one-on-one goal setting sessions. In lieu of the postponed 2022 BC Winter Games, participants gathered for a virtual coaching forum, facilitating valuable knowledge sharing, particularly pertaining to how coaches maintained athlete development and progression despite the challenges brought on by a sport season unlike any other.

“I was excited to work with this amazing group of coaches and see their confidence and competence as senior coaches grow. They are now exposed to a coach mentorship model that can be applied to a variety of coaches in various sports” said Kurt Innes, Master Mentor Coach.

This year’s BC Winter Games Coach Mentorship Program benefited from the participation of some outstanding coaches, such as Biathlon BC’s Chris Halldorson. To learn more about Chris’s coaching background and his experience with the BC Games Coach Mentorship Program, CLICK HERE.

The BC Games Coach Mentorship program will continue for the Prince George 2022 BC Summer Games

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