I·SPARC UNVEILS NEW TEAM BC THEME SONG

I·SPARC UNVEILS NEW TEAM BC THEME SONG

545 Indigenous Athletes and Coaches from Team BC will sing new theme song at the 2017 North American Indigenous Games

Victoria, BC – After launching a province-wide competition, the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC) has unveiled Team BC’s new theme song set to premiere at the Toronto 2017 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). The song will be used to inspire Team BC during competitions and to create a unique presence at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Seven songs were submitted from Indigenous artists from across BC to the competition and were adjudicated by Team BC’s Theme Song Selection Committee ultimately leading to the winning song composed by William Wasden Jr. from the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw Nation. The new theme song will be unveiled at Team BC’s Pep Rally prior to the 2017 NAIG Opening Ceremonies and sung at all future events in which Team BC participates.

“I composed the song in the spirit of inclusion and bringing as many Indigenous cultures from BC together,” William Wasden Jr. says of his composition. “The song is steady and upbeat and is meant to be used for celebrating and uplifting spirit. In our Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw tradition, these social songs are beautiful simple tunes that can easily be taught, so everyone is able to participate and fully enjoy the spirit of the song. I composed the song in the Chinook language because it is an inclusive language that is used throughout the Province.”

“Team BC’s new theme song represents the spirit and passion of our athletes and coaches,” says Lara Mussell, Team BC Chef de Mission with I·SPARC. “We will be proud to sing this inspiring piece by William Wasden Jr. Our new theme song will further unify us as a team.”

545 Indigenous coaches and athletes from across the Province will learn the new theme song from William Wasden Jr. at Team BC’s Pep Rally. Team BC’s contingent will sing the song while marching in the Athlete Parade as they enter the Opening Ceremony. The Opening Ceremony kicks off the 2017 NAIG on July 16, beginning the week-long international multi-sport games. Approximately 5,000 Indigenous coaches and athletes from across North America will gather in Toronto, Ontario to participate in the 14 youth-sport competitions from July 16-23, 2017.

“We are so pleased with the result of our province-wide competition,” said Rick Brant, I·SPARC Executive Director. “Our new theme song will be a part of Team BC’s legacy and we are thrilled to have a song that encompasses the mission and values of the team.”