BC Games Society announces $40,000 in equipment funding for summer sports
The BC Games Society is proud to announce $40,000 in funding to support important equipment investments for four summer sports. This funding is provided through the Society’s Powering Potential Fund which is an initiative to create new opportunities to strategically invest in projects to further develop sport in BC.
With the 2018 BC Summer Games taking place in Cowichan, projects were identified that could assist with staging the BC Games competitions but also be a lasting legacy for ongoing event hosting in the area or across the province. Four projects were chosen to support the sports of rowing, swimming, triathlon, and wrestling.
Project Descriptions:
• The temporary dock on Quamichan Lake will be permanently anchored with upgrades ensuring safety and ease of access to the lake for athletes and the public. The dock will benefit all competitors at the BC Summer Games as well as enhance future training opportunities such as aboriginal paddling programs and rowing competitions.
• Three swimming starting blocks for the Duncan Stingrays Swim Club will complete the set of eight upgraded starting blocks for competitions held at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre.
• Portable bike racks for triathlon transition areas will be purchased and used by Triathlon BC at the BC Games and also at events throughout the province.
• In partnership with the Cowichan Wrestling Club, a new wrestling mat will be purchased for the Games and will be used by the club and be made available for future BC Games.
The Powering Potential Fund was launched in 2017 with $50,000 in matching funding from the Province of BC. Coast Capital Savings contributed $15,000 which is being used towards the investments in Cowichan. Through corporate and individual donations the fund continues to grow to allow for funding opportunities through grants such as these important equipment investments.
Quotes:
Kelly Mann, President and CEO, BC Games Society
“Through the foresight of the Powering Potential Fund and community partners, we are proud to be able to proactively fund these projects. These investments will benefit the competitions at the BC Summer Games but, more importantly are a legacy to enhance training and competitions for future athletes in Cowichan and across the province.
Allan Prazsky, Executive Director, Triathlon BC
“Triathlon BC is thrilled to be the recipient of the transition racks. When not in use at the BC Summer Games, these portable racks will be used throughout the province in our development series events, where they will make an impact on our emerging athletes. We are grateful to the BC Games, the Powering Potential Fund, and the financial partners that made this happen.”
Nick Zuback, Head Coach, Cowichan Wrestling Club
“This funding will allow the Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club the opportunity to showcase wrestling at the 2018 BC Summer Games on a certified competition level mat. This funding has also created the opportunity for the club to grow wrestling in the Cowichan Valley by running workshops for schools, and hosting camps and higher level wrestling competitions in the future. The Cowichan Valley Wrestling Club is very thankful for the BC Games Society and the Powering Potential Fund for granting this amazing opportunity.”
