APPLY NOW: Fall 2013 grant intake is now open

August 19, 2013 – ViaSport’s Fall 2013 grant intake period opens today with several funding opportunities now available for sport in BC. For more information on each including grant guidelines, application forms and dates for future intake periods, see the links provided below.

____________________________________________________________________________

Aboriginal Youth Sport Legacy Fund (AYSLF) – High Performance
The Aboriginal Youth Sport Legacy Fund (ASLYF) supports programs which encourage BC’s Aboriginal youth to participate in physical activity and sport. Apply now!

Current intake period (high performance) for applications: August 19 – September 22, 2013
____________________________________________________________________________________

Hosting BC Grant Program 
The Hosting BC grant program provides funding to sport event organizers to facilitate sport, economic, social and community development. Since 2004, over $4 million has been invested in 470 sport events in communities across BC developing a legacy of sport hosting expertise. Apply now!

Current intake period for applications: August 19 – October 6, 2013
____________________________________________________________________________________

Local Sport Program Development Fund (LSPD)
The Local Sport Program Development (LSPD) Fund allows community sport to be more accessible to people of all abilities by providing funding support to sport programs initiated by municipalities, sport organizations and Aboriginal communities. Apply now!

Current intake period for applications: August 19 – September 22, 2013
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Girls Only and Forever Active Bodies (FAB) 55+
Founded by ProMOTION Plus, the Girls Only and Forever Active Bodies (FAB) 55+ grants are part of an overarching grant fund geared towards the development of sport opportunities that inspire girls and women to get active in BC. A program with two available categories, Girls Only focuses on supporting girls and women of all ages, while FAB 55+ is limited to women aged 55 and above. Apply now!

Current intake period for applications:  August 19 – September 22, 2013
____________________________________________________________________________________

Have questions? Inquiries may be forwarded to the ViaSport Grant Team at grants@viasport.ca.

PacificSport Fraser Valley honours Tom Nielsen and Mike Mason

Eight Fraser Valley individuals were honoured last week with a PacificSport Fraser Valley Recognition Award at the 2013 ceremony. 

Nominated by their peers for his or her contribution to community, sport and/or athlete development, this year’s recipients are an accomplished group including Athletics coach Tom Nielsen and athlete Mike Mason.

Tom Nielsen receives Coach of the Year Award

Tom Nielsen is a throws coach specializing in the javelin. Tom previously coached for UBC, the Vancouver Thunderbirds, and the Coquitlam Cheetahs. He is now a coach for the High School High Performance Group of the Langley Mustangs Track and Field Club. Tom has had incredible success with his athletes, including his son, Kyle, a three time All-American, as well as two athletes participating in London 2012, Liz Gleadle and Curtis Moss. Tom has also had several of his younger athletes recognized by Athletics Canada as the ones to watch for 2016. Most recently, Kyle and Tiffany Matteazzi have qualified for the World University Championships, and Brittni Wolczyk has qualified for the World Junior Championships. According to his athletes, Tom is the epitome of a great coach. Not only does he sacrifice long hours in order to help his athletes, he goes the extra mile to tailor programs and training to each individual athlete in order for them to reach their potential. Athletes come from all areas of the Fraser Valley to train with Tom because of his ability to build on the strengths of athletes as individuals. According to one athlete, “I have never had a coach that has sacrificed so much for me. All the accomplishments I have achieved are due to Tom Nielsen!”

Mike Mason receives Athlete Lifetime Achievement Award 

Originally from Nanoose Bay, high jumper Mike Mason relocated to Abbotsford in order to train under “Coach Ziggy” before London 2012. Mason had a stellar junior career, including a world junior championship gold in 2004. At the senior level, Mason has represented Canada at Commonwealth Games and World Championships, as well as both the Beijing and London Olympics. Mason had top 10 finishes at the 2008 World Indoor Championships, the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and most recently the 2012 London Olympics. The road to London was not easy for Mason, who had to battle back from an ankle injury just to make the team. He overcame his injury in London, posting a strong 8th place finish. During this time, he completed a degree at UBC and continues to train and compete for Canada.

To read about all the PacificSport Fraser Valley 2013 Recognition Award Winners – click here

BC Athletics would like to congratulate both Tom and Mike  and wish them continued success for the future!

 

Helen Crofts wins GNAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award

Courtesy SFU Clan – June 12, 2013

Portland, OR – Simon Fraser University track and field athlete Helen Crofts (West Vancouver, BC) has been voted the 2012-13 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Crofts along with male winner David Downs of Seattle Pacific, will now be a candidate for the 2013 Conference Commissioners Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, which will be selected this summer.

Crofts received seven of 10 first-place votes in the balloting by the conference’s athletic directors.

The award comes a week after Crofts was named the GNAC Co-Female Athlete of the Year.

She had an impressive career not only on the track, but also in the classroom at Simon Fraser, compiling a near-perfect 4.14 grade point average.

A biological science major with a concentration in Cells, Molecules and Physiology, Crofts compiled the highest grade point average among Clan athletes in 2012-13, earning the Bill DeVries Award for excellence in academics and athletics.

She accomplished all that academically while also winning two national titles and four All-American awards during the 2013 NCAA Indoor and Outdoor national championships.

Read the full article here: http://athletics.sfu.ca/news/2013/6/12/WTRACK_0612130927.aspx?path=general

Helen Crofts named GNAC Female Co-Athlete of the Year

Portland, OR – Simon Fraser University track athlete Helen Crofts (West Vancouver, BC) has been named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference’s Female Co-Athlete of the Year along with Seattle Pacific’s Ali Worthen.

The award is voted on by the conference’s 10 athletic directors, who rank their top three choices for the award. Crofts and Worthen each received 18 ballot points in the voting process.

Crofts won two national titles and earned four All-American awards in the 2013 NCAA indoor and outdoor national championships.

At the indoor meet in March in Birmingham, AL, she won the 800-metre in a meet-record time of 2:05.96 and also led SFU to a third-place finish in the distance medley relay (11:37.62) and an eighth-place finish in the 4×400 relay (3:47.14).

She completed a sweep of the 800-metre titles at the outdoor meet in May at Pueblo, CO, finishing first in a time of 2:08.18.

A week prior to the outdoor national meet, she finished ninth in the USA Track & Field High Performance Distance Classic at Occidental.  Her time of 2:02.10 was not only a GNAC record but also was the third fastest time by a collegiate athlete this spring at all levels.

Read the full article here: http://athletics.sfu.ca/news/2013/6/6/WTRACK_0606133015.aspx?path=general

Dan Horan named a Trail Community Sport Hero

Trail Sport Heroes Announced

Nine sport volunteers to receive the Community Sport Hero Awards presented by Teck

RICHMOND, BC (May 15, 2013) – ViaSport and Sport BC will honour nine dedicated sport leaders from Trail on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 with the Community Sport Hero Awards presented by Teck.

The public award ceremony, hosted at the Best Western Plus Columbia River Hotel in Trail, celebrates the contributions of long-time community sport volunteers.

“The Community Sport Hero Awards are a celebration of volunteers who have contributed eight or more years to sport,” said Twyla Ryan, Chair of Sport BC. “Sport is crucial to the development of strong, healthy communities, and community volunteers, like the nine scheduled to be honoured, are essential to that success.”

The following individuals are the outstanding volunteers who were selected by their peers to receive the 2013 Community Sport Hero Awards in Trail:

• Brian Pipes, Baseball
• Brad Elliott, Baseball
• John D’Arcangelo, Floor Hockey
• Dale and Wendy Glover, Baseball
• Sheila Hawton, Special Olympics
• Sandra Rothwell, Special Olympics
• Elisabeth Iannone, Skating
• Dan Horan, Track and Field

Congratulations Dan!

To view full release CLICK HERE

Maureen de St. Croix named award winner at YMCA’s Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony

Photograph by: Jason Payne, VANCOUVER SUN

BC Athletics would like to congratulate Ocean Athletics founder and Head Coach Maureen de St. Croix on her recognition at the YWCA’s 30th Annual Women of Distinction Awards in Vancouver on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

Maureen was chosen as the winner in the Health, Wellness and Athletics category.

Maureen was one of nine nominees in the category. Other nominees included Kathy Newman – Retired, BC Wheelchair Sports Association, Wendy Pattenden – CEO, Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, Cathy Priestner Allinger – Chair, viaSport and Laura Watson – Sport Development Lead, viaSport.

Congratulations Maureen!

Read more: http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Youth+activist+named+Young+Woman+Distinction+YWCA+awards+ceremony/8447185/story.html#ixzz2UhHzcfTh

Helen Crofts named USTFCCCA West Region Female Track Athlete of the Year

May 20, 2013 – New Orleans, LA – Simon Fraser University track and field runner Helen Crofts (West Vancouver, BC) has been named the west region female track athlete of the year by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

The senior is the Division II leader at 800-metre heading into the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championship with a time of 2:04.53 to lead by more than three seconds.

It is also the sixth ranked time in the event in Division II history.

In addition, Crofts is also ranked seventh in the 1500-metre posting a time 4:26.85 and 10th in the 400-metre with a time of 54.46.

She won the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championship in both events and is also a member of the Clan’s NCAA Division II eighth seeded 4×400-metre relay team.

Crofts and the Clan will travel to Pueblo, CO this week for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championship beginning on Wednesday.

Article: http://athletics.sfu.ca/news/2013/5/20/WTRACK_0520133338.aspx?path=general

Six Simon Fraser University Clan Track & Field athletes named to USTFCCCA All-Region Team

New Orleans, LA – The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) has named All-Region honorees for the 2012-13 Division II outdoor track & field season and six Simon Fraser University track and field athletes have earned a spot.

The top five from each region in individual events and each member of a relay ranked in the region’s top three have earned the All-Region distinction for this season.

Helen Crofts (West Vancouver, BC) earned the recognition for top five finishes in four different events while Lindsey Butterworth (North Vancouver, BC) place in the top five in two as did Sarah Sawatzky (Chilliwack, BC).

Meanwhile Chantel Desch (Abbotsford, BC) earned a spot for as a member of the Clan’s 4×400-metre relay team as did Michaela Kane (Robert’s Creek, BC) while Jade Richardson (Nanaimo, BC) was named to the team after a GNAC Championship performance in the discus.

Full article: http://athletics.sfu.ca/news/2013/5/17/WTRACK_0517132010.aspx?path=general

VOTE today for Maureen de St Croix – Connecting the Community Award – YMCA Women of Distinction

The recipient of the Connecting the Community Award is determined via a public online voting system. The nominee with the most votes receives the Award and Scotiabank will donate $10,000 to the YWCA program area of the recipient’s choice. Voting closes at noon on May 17th.

Help vote for Ocean Athletics’  Head Coach Maureen de St Croix – VOTE HERE 

Spencer Allen wins Kamloops Sport Council’s Male Athlete of the Year Award

Congratulations to Spencer Allen, a pole vaulter with the Kamloops Track and Field Club – he was named the Kamloops Sport Council’s Male Athlete of the Year at an awards banquet held on Saturday, April 13 held at TRU’s Grand Hall.

Read the full article in the Kamloops Daily News

Frank Reynolds Bursary Winners Announced

The Whistler Spirit Run, presented by Rio Tinto Alcan, is pleased to announce the recipients of The Frank Reynolds Bursary, to three very well-deserving young athletes – Jesse Hooton, Alexandra Siemens and Kala Stone.

This award is administered by the Board of Directors of the Whistler Spirit Run and financed from the proceeds of the Whistler Spirit Run. Eligible applicants must be residents of BC and be matriculating students progressing to post-secondary study.  The Bursaries are awarded to individual(s) who have: demonstrated exceptional ability and show considerable promise in Track and Field, Road or Cross Country Running (Athletics): demonstrate financial need: have attained an acceptable academic record: and have demonstrated qualities of character, leadership and volunteering.

“Thank you to our Board Members who went through a very tough decision making process because of the record number of exceptional submissions”, said Peter Diemer, President of the organizing committee for The Whistler Spirit Run. “When it was time to select just one winner, we recognized that this year we’re fortunate to give back more than originally expected and chose 3 very strong and deserving young individuals and congratulate them all and wish them success in their future post-secondary education and athletics”.

RECIPIENTS OF THE FRANK REYNOLDS BURSARY

Jesse Hooton – only began running just over a year ago and this past fall won the 2012  BC Junior Club Championships as well as  placing  4th at the 2012 BC High School Cross Country Championships. He is now training seriously with Hershey Harriers Athletics Club under the tutelage of Cindy O’Krane and Darcie Montgomery showing immense dedication, leadership and talent.  Jesse attends Handsworth Secondary School, with plans to attend either the University of Victoria or UBC to study Political Science or Business.

Alexandra Siemens – has been running virtually all her life and is an Honours student at WJ Mouat in Abbotsford.  Alex won the BC High School Cross Country Championships while only in Grade 9 and has represented BC Athletics on both Track and Cross country teams over the past 3 years. Alex is a keen coach of younger athletes and hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps as a PE teacher. Coached by Sue Northey of the Valley Royals Track and Field Club, Alex plans to attend SFU or head south to the USA on scholarship to continue to improve her times and run XC for her school. 

Kala Stone – a South Kamloops Secondary School Honours student is a dedicated athlete, volunteer Track Rascals coach, and meet official with the Kamloops Track and Field Club. After winning the BC High School Championships 1500m in Grade 11, this fall Kala won the BC Junior Club Cross Country Championships and the following week placed 7th at the BC High Schools, and represented BC Athletics at the National XC Championships.  Kala hopes to attend an NCAA Division 1 school to compete and study Biology towards a future career in Physiotherapy.

The Whistler Spirit Run is the realization of the late coach Frank Reynolds’ vision to have a mass participation cross country event while encouraging and supporting British Columbia High School and University athletes through charitable donations and scholarship programs.

“I believe that sport teaches you what is really worthwhile in life and how much you can get out of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment”. – Frank Reynolds

For more information about The Whistler Spirit Run, visit www.whistlerspiritrun.com or contact whistlerspiritrun@gmail.com

2012 BC Athletics Annual Awards – Full List

The 2012 BC Athletics Annual Awards nominees and recipients in all categories have been announced.

All nominees and recipients will be recognized this Saturday, Dec 1 at the Annual Awards Banquet held at the Hilton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond BC 

For the full list of 2012 nominees and recipients please visit the AWARDS PAGE 

Frank Reynolds Whistler Spirit Run Bursary

This award is administered by the Board of Directors of the Whistler Spirit Run and financed from the proceeds of the Whistler Spirit Run.  The regular competition for this award will close by 4:30 p.m. on December 1, 2012.

Eligible applicants must be residents of BC and be matriculating students progressing to post secondary study.  The Bursary will be awarded to individual(s) who have: demonstrated exceptional ability and show considerable promise in Track and Field, Road or Cross Country Running (Athletics): demonstrate financial need: have attained an acceptable academic record: and have demonstrated qualities of character, leadership and volunteering.

The award amount is based on available funding from the Whistler Spirit Run. ($500.00 minimum)

Applicants must:

1. Submit a brief biographical letter noting family background, educational history, future plans, as well as career or vocational aspirations.
2. Provide (3) three letters of reference: one from each of teacher/counselor, Athletics coach and one other appropriate source.
3. Submit a verified statement of marks.
4. Complete and submit the accompanying application and Athletics Achievements form.  Click here to download the bursary form.

The award(s) will be announced in December of each year.

The award(s) will be paid directly to the selected student-athlete.  It may be used for school or athletic purposes.

Applications should be submitted to whistlerspiritrun@gmail.com

Athletics Canada names Christa Bortignon Biosteel Top Performer of the Month

BC Masters superathlete Christa Bortignon is Athletics Canada’s BioSteel Top Performer of the Month for November. The 75- year old athlete owns 7 masters category World Records and was recently named the 2012 NCCWMA female athlete of the year for 2012. Congratulations Christa!

Christa has 8 WMA Gold and 7 World Records for the year, as of the nominations deadline. She competed in the 2012 WMA Indoor Championships in Jyväskylä, Finland and in Saint John, New Brunswick at the NCCWMA regional championship.

Her best event listed is the triple jump with a distance of 7.91 metres (100.64%, WR) at the BC Seniors Games in Burnaby, British Columbia.

In the pentathlon in Saint John her total was 4743 points which is a world record.

Her third listed performance was in the 60m in Jyväskylä where her time was 10.04 (102.6% age graded, WR).

As the BioSteel Top Performer of the Month she receives a complimentary sports supplements package consisting of BioSteel NSF and Informed-Choice certified products.

Last 3 Community Sport Hero Awards Communities for 2012

There are 3 more Community Sport Hero Awards planned for the remainder of 2012 – you can nominate sport volunteers in the following communities:

Sparwood – October 2, 2012

Parksville / Qualicum – October 24, 2012

Vancouver – November 21, 2012

You can go to http://sportbc.com/programs-and-events/community-sport-hero-awards/nomination-forms to nominate an outstanding sport volunteer today!

Vote for Dylan Armstrong, as BC’s best athlete in 2011

Vote now for the winner of the Best of BC Award, presented by the Province of British Columbia.

Dylan Armstrong achieved Canada’s first athletics (track and field) gold medal at the XVI Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico in October 2011. At the Pan American Games, his 21.30 meter throw established a new Pan American Games record, secured gold and successfully defended his title.

His 2011 results include No.1 at the Meeting International d’Athlétisme Moulay el Hassan, the Diamond League, and the Samsung Diamond League in Italy and in Qatar. Armstrong also achieved No. 2 at the IAAF World Championships in both Korea and Croatia. At 30 years old, Armstrong has a deserved reputation as a Canadian champion with the London Olympics in sight.

Vote for Dylan here: http://sportbc.com/programs-and-events/athlete-of-the-year-awards/best-of-bc/

Hosting BC Grant

The Province of BC through the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development invests in event hosting and the Hosting BC program to facilitate sport, economic, social, and community development. This builds on the success of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, maintaining BC’s profile and reputation as an exceptional major event host.

Since 2004, over $3.5 million hass been invested in 329 sport events in communities across BC developing a legacy of sport hosting expertise.

The current application deadline is 4:00pm December 15, 2011 for events taking place from March to December 2012.

Apply here: http://www.hostingbc.ca/content/hosting-bc-grant-program

2011 BC Athletics Annual Awards – Cross Country Awards

All awards will be presented at the 2011 BC Athletics Annual Awards Banquet to be held Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel.  This is a new venue this year and space is limited.  Please visit the website for complete details and ticket registration forms. http://www.bcathletics.org/main/agm.htm#banquet

BANQUET TICKET DEADLINE: NOV 30th 

Stay tuned for more 2011 BC Athletics Annual Award announcements to come!

 

2011 Cross Country Runners of the Year 

Midget 15 Female – Miryam Bassett, Oceanside TFC

Midget 15 Male – Liam McKay, Ocean Athletics

Youth Female – Katrina Allison, Vancouver Thunderbirds

Youth Male – Joel DeSchiffart, Nanaimo TFC

Junior Female – Fiona Benson, Trinity Western University

Junior Male – Blair Johnston, Trinity Western University

Senior Female – Jessica Smith, UN-BC

Senior Male – Cameron Levins, Comox Valley Cougars

Masters Female – Maureen de St. Croix, Ocean Athletics

Masters Male – Mark Bomba, Prairie Inn Harriers Racing Team

2011 BC Athletics Annual Awards Banquet – Jane Swan Award

All award winners will be honoured at the 2011 BC Athletics Annual Awards Banquet to be held Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel.  This is a new venue this year and space is limited.  Please visit the website for complete details and ticket registration forms. http://www.bcathletics.org/main/agm.htm#banquet

Stay tuned for more 2011 BC Athletics Annual Award announcements to come!

2011 Jane Swan Award

Tom Masich – Prince George TFC

2011 BC Athletics Annual Awards – Coaching Excellence Awards *updated Nov 24/11*

The following Coaches will be honoured at the 2011 BC Athletics Annual Awards Banquet to be held Saturday, December 3, 2011 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel.  This is a new venue this year and space is limited.  Please visit the website for complete details and ticket registration forms. http://www.bcathletics.org/main/agm.htm#banquet

Stay tuned for more 2011 BC Athletics Annual Award announcements to come!

2011 Excellence in Coaching Awards 

Junior Development Coach – Maureen de St. Croix, Ocean Athletics (*added Nov 24/11)

Junior Development Coach – Len van Ryswyk, South Fraser TFC (*added Nov 24/11)

Senior Coach – Kim Chapdelaine, Langley Mustangs

High Performance Coach – Dr. Anatoliy Bondarchuk, Kamloops TFC

High Performance Coach – Peter Lawless, Unattached (*added Nov 24/11)