CANOE KAYAK WINS TEAM BC’S FIRST MEDALS!
The Canoe Kayak Team BC had an impressive start at the 2023 NAIG, setting the tone for a successful competition. Leading the way in the 14U Female category, Vivianna Thomas showcased her skills and determination, securing Team BC’s first gold medal of the week. Despite the unpredictable weather that ranged from sunshine to rain and strong winds, the athletes displayed unwavering bravery and raced hard. Today proved to be a remarkable day for Team BC as they earned a total of 6 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals in Canoe and Kayak events.
The Team BC Coaches were thrilled about today’s outcome. Coach Peter Amos shared, “today, we united as a canoe kayak family, creating a remarkable atmosphere of positive energy and making lasting memories.” Chrystal McCallum stated, “being kind is more important than being important. Team BC embodies positive energy always.”
BIG DAY FOR SOCCER
The 16U and 19U Soccer Teams both started their competitions today with three out of the four teams winning their first game of the competition against Team Alberta! The 16U soccer female team pulled off a win against a solid Team Alberta, citing player insight as going to be the key to their success in these games. The 16U male team had a slow start to the game, but managed to slowly take control to a 2-1 win over Team Alberta. The 19U female team reportedly felt nervous but are look forward to shaking off those nerves tomorrow. They lost 3-1 but were able to break the ice, scoring their first goal of the games. And the 19U male team won 4-0 against Alberta. A great start to the Games!
LACROSSE KICKS OFF
The creator’s game kicked off competition at NAIG with the Team BC 19U male and female teams beginning with early morning games. The 19U female team won their first game, 14-4 over Team Ontario and again 15-4 against Team Alberta. The 19U male team battled it out in their first game against Team Ontario, trading points for most of the game. Heartbreakingly, they lost 15-14 in sudden death overtime. However, they had handedly won 8-3 over Team Alberta in the afternoon. Team BC’s 16U male team looked strong as they battled again Team Saskatchewan to clench the win.
BIG DAY FOR SOFTBALL ON THE DIAMOND
Team BC Softball started out the competition strong today. It was a busy day on the diamond, with some rain and some shine! The 16U female team won 10-1 against Team Nova Scotia with 16U Coach Jay Lang sharing that “the girls are enthusiastic, making really great friendships, and are showing a lot of team spirit. We’re off to a great start and look forward to the rest of the round robin.” The 19U female team went up against Alberta and came out on top with a score of 9-2.
On the boys side of softball, both boys’ teams gave it their all on the field. The 16U male team played two games, with Manitoba winning 8-7 and Saskatchewan dominating with a 15-1 victory over Team BC. The 19U male team had a fantastic day, securing a 7-0 win against Alberta and an impressive 11-3 victory over Eastern Door & North. Exciting moments and fierce competition defined these thrilling matches.
TEAM BC BASKETBALL FACES CHALLENGES AND VICTORIES
It was a bit of a slow start for Team BC Basketball, with three teams falling short of securing a win despite demonstrating grit and tenacity. Team BC’s 19U female basketball lost 62-48 to a skilled and strong defensive Manitoba team with the girls and coaches embodying Team BC spirit for the entire 40 minutes, never giving up. The 19U boys game fell short 81-71 against Minnesota. The 16U female team lost against team Wisconsin 66-45. The 16U male team easily handled team Haudenosaunee winning 73-29.
TEAM BC RIFLE SMILES THROUGH RAIN OR SHINE
Rain or shine, the Team BC Rifle Team came to compete! Even with this being the first official competition for many, morale was high with smiles all around! Overall, an eventful day on the range!
FIRST DAY OF COMPETITION FOR MANY SPORTS TOMORROW!
Many of our teams were still in practice mode today, getting ready for their competitions tomorrow. These teams include 3D Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Swimming, and Wrestling.
Keiran May, a badminton athlete, said, “I’m feeling confident and excited!” The Badminton Coach, Chris Snowden, has been preparing the team and mentioned that “the team spirit is strong between the athletes. I look forward to watching them compete!” We’re so excited to watch the first day of competitions for the rest of our sports tomorrow!
TEAM BC VOLLEYBALL BATTLES IT OUT AGAINST TEAM MANITOBA
Team BC Volleyball went head to head against Team Manitoba today, with the 19U female, 19U male and 16U female teams battling it out in great matches.
The 16U Female team played an intense first game against Team Manitoba. It was obviously the game to watch because it not only had the largest cheering section for both teams, but it was also the loudest court. The girls had an incredible first set with great momentum, giving them a win of 25-21. However, Team Manitoba took back the second set with a score of 16-25. The tiebreaker ultimately went to Manitoba, but the girls played an amazing match. After the game, Head Coach Dustin Auger let them know this, stating, “it was a hard-fought battle, but I saw a lot of good things. Keep your heads high.”
Team BC was truly put to work in the 19U female game against Team Manitoba. Despite several delays due to incorrect calls, missed points, and scorekeeping troubles, the girls continued to battle and maintained a positive attitude. However, they ended up losing in the second set.
The 19U male team started off strong and truly showed NAIG that they came to play. Winning their first set handedly, Team Manitoba showed up to take back the second set. Team BC fought hard for the win in the third set, clenching the game 25-18.
WELLNESS TIP OF THE DAY: Find your flow, be in the zone!
In the midst of NAIG excitement, aim to find your flow and get in the zone during competitions. Being in the zone means you’re fully immersed in the game, focused, and performing at your best. To get there, focus on your breath, stay present in the moment, and trust in your training. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and remember to enjoy the journey. With determination and a positive mindset, you’ll tap into your flow state and achieve greatness at NAIG!
Team BC Background
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) is responsible for managing the Team BC Program for the North American Indigenous Games. Through the support and oversight of its Provincial Sport Committees, Team BC Mission Staff and I·SPARC’s leadership, I·SPARC has established a Team BC program and comprehensive provincial process to select athletes and coaches that will compete on behalf of British Columbia in the 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). For the 2023 NAIG, over 500 Indigenous athletes and coaches have been selected to represent British Columbia in the following 14 sports: 3D Archery, Athletics (Track & Field, Cross-Country), Badminton, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Canoe/Kayak, Golf, Lacrosse (Box), Rifle Shooting, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Volleyball, Wrestling.
About the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council
I·SPARC, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council is a provincial organization established with the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I·SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation, and physical activity in First Nations communities, Métis Chartered Communities, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout the province.
Media contact:
Kylie Antrobus
Team BC Communications Manager
kantrobus@isparc.ca
www.isparc.ca
