Squamish and Musqueam Nation youth athletes win provincial sport awards
A group of young athletes will soon have their name and photo shine in the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame.
Three athletes from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and one from xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nation are among the 10 recipients of the 2024 Premier's Award for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport announced Tuesday.
The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I-SPARC) announced the awards, which has been running since 2015. Athletes 25 and under are recognized for their outstanding achievements in sport but also demonstrating a commitment to education, culture and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Box lacrosse player Logan Mellish from Squamish Nation, softball and volleyball athlete Sophie Campo and hockey star Wyatt Blace from Squamish Nation and synchronized figure skater Summer Cannell from Musqueam Nation are on this year's list.
'Thank you so much for selecting me as one of the top 10 recipients for the primary provincial awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sports,'
Mellish said in a video recognizing this year's winners
. 'I want to thank my coaches for their belief in me and sharing their dedication and knowledge to help me become a better athlete.'
Mellish led the Coquitlam Junior Adanacs to a first-place finish last season, taking home the
Minto Cup in 2024
. He is also a role model in his community, the video said, volunteering with a non-profit helping children with disabilities learn lacrosse while also taking Indigenous youth out fishing and teaching harvesting traditions.
Campo's team achieved gold at the BC Softball Championship and placed fifth at the Western Canadian Softball Championship. On top of her pitching and batting talents, she also led her school's volleyball team to gold at the South Vancouver Island Championship.
'This award is such an honour, and I would like to thank my loved ones, coaches, teammates and everyone who has supported me and helping me reach my goals,' Campo said.
The award is also a high tribute for Blace, who has achieved a lot in his hockey career already. Blace plays on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, has made BCHL's top prospects game and will soon shoot pucks for ivy league Dartmouth College in the U.S.
Figure skater Cannell also holds an impressive record on the ice. The Musqueam Nation member is the captain of the BC Junior Synchronized Skating Team, leading the squad to a win at the West Coast Challenge and top prize at the Mountain Regionals.
She also landed seventh place in the Canadian National Skating Championships where she competed against some of the best skaters across the country.
'As a proud Musqueam figure skater, it's an honour to share my journey and celebrate this special moment with all of you,' Cannell said, adding thanks to her family, coaches, teammates and her community for their encouragement and guidance.
'I'm excited for what the future brings, not only for myself, but for the growing presence of Indigenous athletes in all world competition,' she said. 'Thank you I-SPARC for this honour, it's a milestone in my athletic career.'
In March,
I-SPARC announced the 32 regional finalists for the awards
. The awards have created a legacy for outstanding athletes, a press release from I-SPARC said, with many past recipients earning university scholarships, playing on professional sports leagues, and competing with Canadian national teams and at the Olympics.
All 10 provincial recipients will receive a $500 bursary and a framed limited-edition print of the award from First Nations artist Carey Newman, plus their photo and biography will be on display inside the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame in downtown Vancouver.
'Congratulations to the 10 exceptional athletes and leaders who are taking home a Premier's Award for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport,' said B.C. Premier David Eby in a press release. 'Your commitment to your sport, your studies and your culture is truly inspiring. I wish each of you every success as you continue to pursue your goals on and off the field of play while proudly representing your community.'
To see the full list and video ceremony honouring the recipients, check out
I-SPARC's website
.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the
Local Journalism Initiative
.
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