Youth with ties to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nation are getting recognition for their athletic talents.
Recipients for the 2024 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport were announced by the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I-SPARC) earlier this month.
The awards recognize those 24 and younger from six regions across B.C. – the Fraser, Interior, Northeast, Northwest, Vancouver Coastal and Vancouver Island.
Hockey player Wyatt Blace as well as softball and volleyball athlete Sophie Campo from the Squamish Nation made the cut in the Vancouver Island Region category.
“It is an honour to be named as a regional recipient of the 2024 premier award for Indigenous youth excellence and sport, and thank you to I-SPARC for this recognition,” Blace said in a video recognizing the recipients, adding thanks to coaches, teammates, friends and family who helped him along his hockey journey.
Box lacrosse player from Squamish Nation Logan Mellish is recognized in the Vancouver Coastal Region category alongside figure skater Summer Cannell from the Musqueam Indian Band.
“I would also like to thank the Squamish Nation for the support over the years and I-SPARC for this opportunity and for recognizing me for my commitment and dedication to sports, it means a lot to me,” Mellish said in the video. “Congratulations to all the recipients, keep up the good work, our ancestors would be very proud of us.”
In total, there are 32 regional finalists for this year’s awards. Each recipient is competing in performance sports, but also shows a commitment to their education, culture and promoting healthy and active lifestyles, a I-SPARC news release states.
The awards have created a legacy of amazing athletes since it launched in 2015. Several past recipients have received university scholarships for their talents, competed in professional sport leagues and participated with Canadian national teams at international competitions and even the Olympics.
“Congratulations to all 32 regional finalists for this year’s Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sports,” said B.C. Premier David Eby. “You have accomplished much as leaders in your sport and in your community. All of B.C. is cheering you on, as am I. Your achievements are amazing!”
Regional recipients are automatically nominees for the Provincial Awards that will be announced later this year.
Check out the six recipient region videos on the I-SPARC website.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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