Team BC pumped to participate in Canada Games

VANCOUVER – More than 350 British Columbians will be travelling to Nova Scotia to represent the Province at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax, Feb. 11 to 27, announced Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

“It’s thrilling to know that we are sending off the next generation of Olympic, Paralympic and Special Olympic athletes,” said Cadieux. “I want to commend every member in being named to Team BC and in reaching this considerable level of achievement. It’s a testament to the efforts of athletes, coaches and sport practitioners – everyone involved in coming this far.”

Leading the athletes representing B.C. into the opening ceremonies in Halifax will be long track speed skater Victoria (Tori) Spence, who was chosen as Team BC’s flag bearer.

“It is a huge honour to be asked to be the flag bearer for Team BC and to represent my fellow athletes from all sports,” said Spence, whose stellar speed skating results have her on track to compete at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. “Carrying the flag for B.C. into the Canada Games puts me a step closer to realizing my Olympic dreams.”

Team BC can expect to be in the spotlight in Halifax as competition begins on the one-year-anniversary of the 2010 Olympic Games opening in their home province. They will also be marking the trail for athletes aspiring to compete at the next Canada Winter Games which will be held in Prince George in 2015.

“British Columbians truly demonstrated during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games the great pride and support we collectively hold for our athletes. Now Team BC is off to the other side of Canada and we fully support them in their athletic endeavours – Go, Team BC!” said Mary McNeil, Minister of Citizen’s Services and minister responsible for Robson Square.

Many outstanding athletic careers have been launched by competing for Team BC at a Canada Games. Paul Kariya, Steve Nash and Lui Passaglia are just three Team BC alumni who have gone on to become household names in sport. Marni Abbott-Peter won three Paralympic gold medals in wheelchair basketball and has been inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame. Danielle Lawrie, Team BC flag bearer at the 2005 Canada Summer Games, is an Olympian and two-time NCAA softball player of the year.

“It is a privilege to again lead a very talented group of young people to the Winter Games,” said Team BC Chef de Mission Ajay Patel, who will be leading the British Columbia contingent for the fourth time at a Canada Games. “These Games let us showcase some of our province’s best athletes, and provide an opportunity for them to be role models and mentors to the next generation of Team BC athletes. We may be able to watch some of the athletes we are sending off today, when we view television coverage of the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi.” 

 For a full list of Team BC athletes and coaches, click here [PDF].