Sport BC Congratulates Volleyball BC
Media Release – March 26, 2024 – (Vancouver, B.C.)
The Delivering on Diversity Award was established by the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport to amplify the Province of BC’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The inaugural recipient in 2020 was BC Golf, last year PacificSport Fraser Valley was the recipient, and we are excited to announce the 3rd Annual Delivering on Diversity Award winner, Volleyball BC. Congratulations to Volleyball BC, led by CEO Emma Gibbons.
The Province of British Columbia is proud to support the Delivering on Diversity Awards as an important initiative that recognizes special commitments toward diversity, equity and inclusion in sport programs and services. We believe in the power of sport, and we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of sport. We also believe it is important to recognize those who have made great strides to remove barriers to participation in sport for the most under-represented groups.
Volleyball BC was selected for this award because of their innovative hard work and clear commitment to having a large impact around diversity. The Province of BC thanks Volleyball BC, Emma Gibbons, and her entire team for their efforts and the dedication that they display to promote diversity and inclusion.
To share just a few of many highlights, Volleyball BC has established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for their organization; delivered nine “Introduction to Volleyball” programs for new Canadians; participated in Canadian Women and Sport’s Same Game Challenge, resulting in a female mentorship program for female coaches and referees in B.C.; and initiated a pilot program for sitting volleyball for individuals with disability and accessibility issues in Comox and the Lower Mainland.
On receiving this award, Emma Gibbons shares that “the Board and staff of Volleyball BC are very honoured to receive this award in recognition of our work to make volleyball inclusive and welcoming to all participants. We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion is a journey not a destination and we have worked hard over the last few years to identify and deliver on priorities for change. Our journey is not complete, but we are a long way further ahead than when we started, and we would like to thank the Province of British Columbia and Sport BC for acknowledging the progress we have made.”
All British Columbians deserve to be treated as equals, and our communities are stronger when everyone is accepted and encouraged to reach their full potential. Sport BC and the amateur sport sector thanks Volleyball BC for making the province a better place to play and recognizes the organization for their efforts and dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion.
Thank you to our generous sponsors, your support made the 56th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards possible.
About Sport BC
Sport BC believes in the power of sport and is committed to building stronger communities through positive sport experiences. Our goal is to enhance and support sport participation in British Columbia ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through our KidSport BC, BC Amateur Sport Fund, and ProMOTION Plus along with our services Sport BC Insurance, and Payroll and Group Benefits; Sport BC supports our sixty plus member organizations. Keep up to date @SportBC
Athlete of the Year Awards Media Contact
Thursday, March 7, 2024 Allison Mailer
@SportBC Sport BC, VP Operations
#SportBC56thAOY allison.mailer@sportbc.com
778-839-8576