For Immediate Release
Team BC unveils custom art to unite athletes at Games
(May 17, 2017) – This summer, Team BC athletes will represent our province at two major multi-sport Games – the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg and the 2017 North American Indigenous Games in Toronto.
The organizers of the two Team BC contingents are excited to unveil a custom art design that was commissioned to celebrate the spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
While both teams compete under the Team BC name, the contingents have traditionally been organized separately. The design, Team BC Unite, was created by artist Jamin Zuroski and represents two teams, two worlds, embracing diversity, respect, connection, perseverance, excellence, and celebration.
At the 2017 Canada Summer Games, Team BC athletes will proudly wear a shirt displaying the Team BC Unite design as they parade into the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Team BC athletes at the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) will proudly display the Team BC Unite design on their Closing Ceremony shirts.
The design features two animals – the raven is a symbol of Team BC at the North American Indigenous Games and the whale represents Team BC at the Canada Games. Each animal highlights special qualities such as strength, determination, unity, and desire for success both as an individual and as a team. The feather symbolizes a tool that embraces balance of the mind, body and spirit. All of elements together are in the shape of a ball or sphere to highlight momentum of the athletes and all of those who support them on their journey.
The North American Indigenous Games are recognized as an important vehicle to promote Indigenous sport development and recreation in Canada. Toronto will host 5,000 participants including 550 from Team BC, July 16 to 23.
The Canada Games are a national multi-sport competition featuring top athletes from every province and territory. 2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Games and Team BC will have 450 athletes, coaches, and mission staff in Winnipeg, July 28 to August 13.
Quotes:
Jamin Zuroski, Artist
“Sports excellence will be exemplified this summer when two teams showcase their dedication for personal and professional development. Through shared teachings, partnership and desires for success, friendships and memories will be built and cherished for years to come.”
Lara Mussell Savage, Chef de Mission, Team BC – North American Indigenous Games
“We are excited to come together to celebrate the spirit of unity between our two teams as we embark on our respective major Games this summer. It is an honour for our athletes to be able to represent British Columbia as a united Team BC.”
Rob Needham, Chef de Mission, Team BC – Canada Summer Games
“This initiative to celebrate sport, culture, and the coming together of two teams gives strength to everyone involved. As we represent British Columbia at the Canada Summer Games, our athletes will all know that they are part of a larger team working together to represent our province with pride and respect.”
About Team BC – North American Indigenous Games
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is responsible for managing the Team BC Programs for the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) and the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC). Through the support and oversight of its Team BC Work Group and Provincial Sport Committees, I·SPARC has established a comprehensive Team BC program that includes provincial development programs and selection processes for athletes and coaches that will compete on behalf of British Columbia in national and international competitions. For the 2017 NAIG, over 500 Indigenous athletes and coaches will be selected to represent British Columbia in the following 13 sports: 3D Archery, Athletics (Track & Field, Cross-Country), Badminton, Basketball, Canoe/Kayak, Golf, Lacrosse (Box), Rifle Shooting, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Volleyball, Wrestling. For more information visit www.isparc.ca
About Team BC – Canada Summer Games
Team BC will bring together a delegation of 450 athletes, coaches, managers, and mission staff to represent British Columbia at the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg. Team BC athletes are the best young developing talent in this province and are our future national and international champions. For more information visit www.teambc.org.
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Media Contacts:
Lia Threlfall
Communications Manager
Team BC
250-812-3887
Justine Johnson
Team BC Communications Manager
778-899-3234
