Golfer Jared McMillan Recognized With Premier’s Regional Award
- Regional Recipients Announced For Premier’s Awards For Indigenous Youth Excellence In Sport -
Traditional Territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples / Victoria B.C. (May 14, 2024) – The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is pleased to announce the regional recipients of the 2023 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.
I·SPARC, in collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, launched the regional nomination process in late 2023, receiving nominations from each of I·SPARC’s six regions (Fraser, Interior, Northeast, Northwest, Vancouver Coastal, and Vancouver Island). Applications were open to Indigenous youth athletes 25 years and younger who are competing in performance sport and demonstrating a commitment to their education, culture, and promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
"This outstanding achievement highlights your accomplishments, both on and off the playing field," said Hon. Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. "You are an inspiration to young athletes everywhere! Sport has the power to change lives and our government is committed to ensuring everyone can experience the benefit of sport."
The Northwest nominations include Jared McMillan who participated in both the inaugural BC Indigenous Championship last year and represented our province in the Team Matches against Ontario, held at Victoria's Bear Mountain, in which BC was victorious.
Northwest
Tymeko Collinson, Volleyball, Skidegate - Haida Nation
Tatum Jack, Hockey & Basketball, Gitxsan Nation - Gitanmaax
Presley Kallio, Wrestling & Rugby, Old Massett, Haida Nation
Jared McMillan, Golf & Hockey, Nisga'a Nation - Gitlaxt'aamix
Hunter Miers, Martial Arts, Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc
Wyatt Mowatt, Soccer, Gitxsan Nation – Gitanmaax
"I would like to offer my heartiest congratulations to all 36 regional finalists for this year’s Premier’s Awards Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sports. You’ve worked hard, you’ve trained hard, and you’ve earned this recognition," said Premier David Eby. "You’re the future leaders of your communities. I know you have great contributions to make on and off the field of play!"
"Congratulations to this year’s regional recipients. We are thrilled to be celebrating the outstanding achievements of Indigenous athletes from such a wide range of sports,” said Rick Brant, I·SPARC CEO. “The Premier’s Awards provide an important platform for us to share the inspirational stories of Indigenous athletes from across all six regions of the province. We look forward to following your growth as athletes and leaders within your communities!"
As a way of honouring the 2023 regional recipients, I·SPARC has produced a series of commemorative videos highlighting each of the region’s athletes and celebrating their outstanding achievements. These videos can be found on I·SPARC’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/isparc), website, and social media channels.
These regional recipients automatically serve as nominees for the Provincial Awards, which will be announced later this year.