Funding to offset costs for more than 500 athletes, coaches, chaperones and mission staff from B.C. Without this funding, fees would need to be increased and participation on Team BC would be out of reach for many families. Reducing barriers to participation in sport remains a priority for both the provincial government and (I∙SPARC). Its Team BC program provides an opportunity for Indigenous athletes to experience a major international sport competition and to share and celebrate their cultural heritages with other youth.
I·SPARC works with First Nations, Métis Chartered Communities, Friendship Centres, schools and other sport and health-sector stakeholders to deliver community-based programs. These programs promote having an active lifestyle and support transformative change in the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples, families and communities in B.C.