The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) has announced the six outstanding athletes named as the Interior regional recipients of the 2020 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport. A Yukoner is among them.

The athletes are:

• Tuja  Dreyer, 13, Judo, swimming and wrestling, Kelowna,  B.C., Ross River Dena Council;

• Isaac Bedford, 16, archery, 150 Mile House,  Métis Nation B.C.;

• Daine Dubois, 21,  hockey,  Williams Lake,  Cariboo Chilcotin Metis Association;

• James Hamming, 20, snowboard cross racing, Kamloops,  B.C., Splatsin First Nation;

• Clinton Kaboni, 18, Field Lacrosse and Cross-Country, Merritt,  Nipissing First Nation; and

• Darian Williams, 17, archery, Vernon,  B.C., Splatsin First Nation.

I·SPARC, in collaboration with the province of British Columbia, launched the regional nomination process in late 2020.

It received nominations from each of I·SPARC’s six regions (Fraser, Interior, Northeast, Northwest, Vancouver Coastal, and Vancouver Island) for Indigenous athletes, under 25 years of age, who are competing in performance sport, and demonstrating a commitment to their education, culture, and promoting healthy and active lifestyles.

“Congratulations to all the regional winners of the Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport,” said Melanie Mark, B.C.’s minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport.

“I’m so proud of your accomplishments both on the field and in your community. Your outstanding achievements are a source of pride, especially for your family, coaches, and everyone who has supported and encouraged you along the way.

“This, to me, is reconciliation in action,” Mark added.

“More than ever in these challenging times, we need young people like you to give us hope. Keep following your dreams and reaching for the stars.”

Due to the pandemic restrictions, the regional awards celebrations could not be held this year.

As a way of honouring this year’s recipients, I·SPARC has produced a series of commemorative videos highlighting each of the region’s athletes and celebrating their outstanding achievements.

These videos will be unveiled on I·SPARC’s YouTube channel and social media channels.

“I personally congratulate the recipients in the Interior region,” said Bruce Baptiste, the Interior I·SPARC regional lead.

“Now, more than ever, inspirational leaders like you are helping to bring our communities together. You have honoured the province, your nations, and your families with unwavering commitment and hard work.”

Over the few days, I·SPARC announced the 30 regional recipients of the Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport, by region.

These regional recipients automatically serve as nominees for the Provincial Awards, which will be announced later this year.