Basketball BC and BC Hydro bring Power of Sport to Musqueam band
Sport development clinic to build participation, infrastructure
For Immediate Release:
November 5, 2010
Richmond, BC – Beginning today, the Musqueam community will be treated to a fun two-day basketball clinic that will provide hands-on training for both coaches and athletes, using the Steve Nash Youth Basketball model for youth development. The BC Hydro Power of Sport First Nations Project is the result of a partnership between Basketball BC, Sport BC, and BC Hydro and builds on Sport BC’s larger Power of Sport Tour, which brings sport development opportunities to First Nations communities across BC.
Facilitated by Basketball BC staff, the BC Hydro Power of Sport First Nations Project uses the Steve Nash Youth Basketball program to encourage aboriginal youth participation in sport while teaching basketball fundamentals in a fun and positive environment with an emphasis on team building, skill building and respect for the game.
Basketball BC will use this opportunity to build upon existing Musqueam sport programs and the organization will return to the community over the next few months to emphasize the benefits of athletic development. The ultimate goal of the program is to set up the infrastructure for a lasting legacy of sport in the Musqueam community.
“Basketball BC is very pleased to continue our relationship with Sport BC in offering programs to First Nations communities throughout the province,” said Lawrie Johns, executive director, Basketball BC. “Our program, Steve Nash Youth Basketball, is also very proud to welcome aboard BC Hydro Power Smart to assist in the delivery of this popular program that is now in over 50 BC communities.”
“Team Power Smart Captain Steve Nash is not only helping to drive the change towards a conservation culture, but through his basketball program, he is helping to inspire the athletes and leaders of tomorrow. Steve’s commitment to making a difference is something that we at BC Hydro find truly inspiring,” said Larina Lopez, senior manager, Community Investment, Outreach and Education, BC Hydro. “In addition to the athletic benefit this partnership with Basketball BC will bring to the Musqueam community, it will also allow us to share our energy conservation goals with the Musqueam band.”
BC Hydro’s Community Outreach team will be at the event with energy conservation activities to reinforce Steve Nash’s commitment to energy efficiency and to build awareness among the Musqueam youth about the many opportunities to live sustainably and make a difference in their community.
Initiatives like the BC Hydro Power of Sport First Nations Project allow kids to develop more than just sport skills. Through participation in sport, athletes develop a positive self-image, a sense of accountability and a comprehension of shared visions and objectives which are qualities that are crucial to the health and development of any community.
About Basketball BC:
Basketball BC is a Provincial Sport Organization providing programs and services to athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers throughout the province. With an elected Board of Directors and over 12,000 members, Basketball BC provides programs including Steve Nash Youth Basketball, Provincial team selection and competitive opportunities leading to Nationals, NCCP coaching courses and general support to basketball throughout BC. Basketball BC is has a staff 0f 4.5 FTE and is a member of Canada Basketball and Sport BC.
About BC Hydro:
BC Hydro is a commercial Crown corporation owned by the Province of British Columbia and is one of North America’s leading providers of clean, renewable energy. As the largest electric utility in British Columbia and the third largest in Canada, BC Hydro serves approximately 95 per cent of British Columbia’s population and 1.8 million customers. BC Hydro provides clean energy solutions to its customers by balancing British Columbians’ energy needs today with respect for the environment and future generations to come.
About Sport BC:
Sport BC believes everyone is an athlete – whatever their sport, whatever their level. Our passion for sport is a passion for building strong, healthy communities by giving everyone in BC the opportunity to be the athletes they are. We are the engine driving amateur sport in BC, inspiring participation and supporting its activation through the 64 Provincial Sport Organizations who bring sport to life in BC. For more information, please visit sportbc.com.
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For more information, please contact:
Jessica Doherty Simi Heer
Marketing & Communications Coordinator Media Relations
Sport BC BC Hydro
E: Jessica.doherty@sportbc.com E: simi.heer@bchydro.com
T: 604.333.3422 T: 604.623.3963
