VICTORIA — Premier John Horgan says the cost of sports should not be a factor in holding back participation, which is why the government will invest almost $1.5 million to send more B.C. athletes to the 2020 North American Indigenous Games.
The funding will offset the costs of sending more than 500 athletes, coaches, chaperones and staff to Halifax next year.
“This means more athletes can compete. It means that more young people can get the spirit of cooperation that teamwork always engenders.
Horgan says the power of sports to build solid communities and stronger individuals is immeasurable.
“Being on the field, being in the box, being at centre court for the opening jump of a basketball game fills athletes with a sense of purpose and a sense of cooperation,” he says. “They will be better people as a result, we will be a better community as a result.”
The North American Indigenous Games, to be held July 12-18 2020, is a multisport competition and cultural festival expected to draw more than 5,000 Indigenous youth from 750 First Nations.