VICTORIA – The BC Games Society announced today the appointment of four new members to the Board of Directors, with marketing and operations executive Lisa Craik (Maple Ridge), philanthropic solutions consultant Sue Griffin (Vancouver), former director of recreation services Doug Ross (Vernon), and fundraiser Mindy Stroet (Prince George) set to bring their expertise to the organization.

The board is also welcoming new leadership, as marketing consultant Niki Remesz (Kamloops) will be taking over the role of Chair from Jamey Paterson (Langley) with the expiration of his term. Paterson had served as Chair of the Board of Directors since 2017. Also departing from the board after successful terms are Jim Martin (Prince George) and Michelle Webster (Kelowna).

The four new members of the board are joined by current board members Charlie Bruce (Kamloops), Kylah Bryde (Fort St. John), Francis Cheung (Langley), Chris Densmore (Nanaimo), Wayne Naka (Nelson), Veronica Planella (Victoria), Pamela Rai (Nanaimo), and Christine Ulmer (Kelowna). 

The BC Games Society is the leadership organization that guides the BC Winter and BC Summer Games, British Columbia’s biennial celebration of youth sport and community, and leads the Team BC program at the Canada Games.  The BC Games Society board is appointed by the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport and is responsible for setting policy and direction to ensure the objectives of the Society are met.

Quotes

Lana Popham, Minister, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
“Welcome and congratulations to the new members joining the BC Games Society’s board of directors. As many have done before them, I know they will contribute to the continued success of the BC Games. The games bring so many benefits for everyone involved, and they would not be possible without the engagement and dedication of its directors. Sincere thanks to all board members, past or present, for their commitment and participation.”

Niki Remesz, Chair, BC Games Society Board of Directors
“I am honoured to lead such a talented group of board members as Chair of the BC Games Society Board of Directors. The fact that we are able welcome these impressive new members today is a testament to the important role that the BC Games and Team BC play in the development of athletes, coaches, officials, and communities across our province.”

Alison Noble, President and CEO, BC Games Society
“The BC Games Society Board of Directors is in excellent hands with Niki’s leadership and the appointment of our new board members. Our staff are fortunate to be able to draw on the expertise of this multi-talented and diverse set of voices to be able to set the direction for our organization and contribute to the growth of participants, volunteers, and communities.”

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A backgrounder follows.

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

BACKGROUNDER

BC Games Society Board of Directors

Niki Remesz, Chair, Kamloops
Charlie Bruce, Kamloops
Kylah Bryde, Fort St. John
Francis Cheung, Langley
Lisa Craik, Maple Ridge
Chris Densmore, Nanaimo
Sue Griffin, Vancouver
Wayne Naka, Nelson
Veronica Planella, Victoria
Pamela Rai, Nanaimo
Doug Ross, Vernon
Mindy Stroet, Prince George
Christine Ulmer, Kelowna

Link to biographies of the Board of Directors:

https://staging.bcgames.org/about-us/board-of-directors/

About the BC Games Society

Established in 1977 by the B.C. Government under the Societies Act, the BC Games Society (the Society) oversees the BC Winter Games and BC Summer Games. The Society also supports the participation of Team BC, the provincial team competing at Canada Games, in national multi-sport Games. Each of these Games provide opportunities for the development of athletes, coaches, and officials in preparation for higher levels of competition. For host communities, the Games provide the chance to build or enhance their capacity to attract and deliver major events. Team BC’s Mission Staff can develop and enhance competencies such as leadership, teamwork, time management and organizational skills. BC Games also provide important economic and tourism benefits, allowing hosts to profile their communities and benefit from an economic impact in the range of $1.6 million to $2 million. The legacies of the BC Winter and BC Summer Games allow for capacity building in communities across the province resulting in a stronger British Columbia.