Team BC creates a Legacy with Big Brothers Big Sisters Prince George
Today, Team BC and Big Brothers Big Sisters Prince George (BBBSPG) celebrated the creation of a legacy to support children in Prince George. As part of the 2015 Canada Winter Games, Team BC provided a clothing and cash donation to the Team Up! mentorship program that introduces children in Prince George to sport and activities while teaching the importance of healthy eating, leadership, and communications skills.
“The Canada Games is about unifying the nation through sport, but it also has a long and proud history of creating social legacies in host jurisdictions. I am delighted that Team BC is contributing to Team Up!, giving more children in Prince George the opportunity to benefit from sport and healthy living. Congratulations to Team BC and Big Brother Big Sisters Prince George on this fantastic partnership,” said Coralee Oakes, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
“As a long time supporter of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization I am so glad to see that they will have a very special legacy as a result of the 2015 Canada Winter Games. It is great to see Team BC athletes share their stories and passion for healthy living with children involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Thank you Team BC for making a difference with this very special partnership,” said Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond.
“Team BC is leading by example by providing children with access to opportunities that they might not otherwise have, making a positive difference in the lives of our youth,” said Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris.”
Team BC athletes along with Olympian and Team BC alumni, Kelsey Serwa, gathered today with 25 children who are part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs to play an informal game of floor hockey. The children had the opportunity to talk to the athletes about the Games as well as to see Kelsey Serwa’s silver medal from the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
“We are excited to be teaming up with Team BC because the support of Team BBBSPG through their legacy project will help start something big for local kids” says Tim Bennett, Executive Director. “Their support will ensure that local kids have the opportunity to gain new skills, confidence and ability through participation in sport. Their contribution to our Team Up! Program will create a legacy not just for Big Brothers Big Sisters but for our community.”
Team BC and Big Brothers Big Sisters share common values of the importance of healthy living and physical activity as well as the vital role of mentors to teach and coach young people to achieve their potential. At every Games since 2011, Team BC has initiated a legacy project focused on social responsibility. Realizing the tremendous contribution that every host community makes to plan and stage the Games, it is a goal of Team BC to give back to the community and leave a valuable and meaningful legacy.
“Our athletes, coaches, and mission staff are tremendous role models for their sports and their communities,” said Rob Needham, Team BC Chef de Mission. “To see our team interacting with these young children and inspiring a path to healthy living makes us all aware of the greater impact these Games can have.”
About Big Brothers Big Sisters Prince George
We believe every child should have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential, both as individuals and citizens. By doing so, they will not only do well, they will also do good.
Serving as role models, our mentors teach by example the importance of giving and giving back, of staying in school, and of having respect for family, peers, and community. Each time we pair a child with a mentor or introduce a group of students to an in-school program, we start something incredible – a life-changing relationship built on friendship, trust, and empowerment.
Photo from Left:
Katrina Galas (Team BC Mission Staff), Rob Needham (Team BC Chef de Mission), Nanguz (Mascot), Tim Henderson (BBBSPG Executive Director), , Kelsey Serwa (Olympian and Team BC Honourary Captain).