Team BC athletes join PG youngsters in group photo Saturday. Photos 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – Team B.C. is showing its community spirit with a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters Prince George to support kids in groups mentorship programs.

Thirteen Team B.C. athletes competing in the 2015 Canada Winter Games were on hand with team officials for the announcement that the team is providing clothing and a financial donation to support the Big Brothers TEAM UP program that introduces youngsters to sport and healthy living.

Team B.C. Honourary Captain and alumni, and 2014 Olympic silver medalist Kelsey Serwa told the young people on hand that “the best thing about sport is what we learn from it, so it’s not just about joining a team it’s about being part of a team and working together. And also living an active and healthy life so eating the right things, doing the right things but I think the biggest thing that we can learn from it is really the support of each other. For me the Canada Winter Games was an amazing experience because it taught me the power of team.”

Team B.C. Chef de Mission Rob Needham says “over the last number of years Team BC has looked for opportunities, how do we connect with the local community when we come to a games.” He says at previous “we’ve looked at how to make a donation or contribution to leave a little bit of a legacy behind after we leave.”

“Of course competing here at home, for the first time ever having a Canada Winter Games in BC, we’ve really wanted to find that ideal partner to match up to and make a contribution that when we leave in March, after having tremendous success here at the Games, that there be an opportunity for kids to participate and get involved in sport and physical activities for a long time to come.”

“So that’s the genesis of our Legacy project and through both making a small donation, probably more importantly contributing some active wear clothing that can help kids across the community be able to get involved and remove that potential barrier to participating in sport activity. Much of the clothing comes from our supplier, the clothing we’re wearing here, but it also comes from the athletes themselves. So athletes have brought items from their homes, clothing and equipment that can be utilized and really we hope will be utilized in Prince George for a long time to come.”

BBBSPG Executive Director Tim Bennett says “we’re very fortunate that Team B.C. has chosen Big Brothers Big Sisters to receive the 2015 Legacy Project and all of this is going to help support our TEAM UP program. Team Up ran last year for the first time and, because of the financial support and donations of athletic wear, the program will now be able to continue on for many, many years.”

“The program is primarily based for kids aged 11 through 13, and is really about learning new skills, making new friends, building confidence while playing sport. Everything from kick boxing to curling to swimming to finding really what you are passionate about. So we’re really excited, this really is a match that was meant to be because Team BC will now be teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters to start something with our program.”

Team BC Communications spokesperson Katrina Galas says “Team BC leaves a legacy wherever it goes but this is year is really very special because we’re doing it right here at home, in Prince George, and it means so much to the team.”

The Team BC athletes on hand were all smiles in signing autographs for the kids before joining in a pick-up floor hockey game.