Prince George, B.C. – For 18 youth from the Prince George area, it will be an experience of a lifetime, and it is one that would not have happened had it not been for the   hard work and cooperation of a lot of people. They will be going to the Olympics, and will take in the U.S. vs Norway hockey game on the 18th, plus attend a victory celebration.

In December, Vanoc advised the Spirit 2010 B.C. Committee of Prince George that it would make some tickets available  for less fortunate youth to attend the Olympics. At the time, Sheryl Warrington, a member of the Committee and a Trustee with School District 57, said the notice was very late in coming. She had doubts that on such short notice anyone who was less fortunate would be able to find affordable accommodation  or transportation to the Games even if they had free tickets to an event. It seemed the offer of free tickets to an event was really meant for those living in the lower mainland who wouldn’t have to worry about the cost of accommodation  or transportation.

Warrington didn’t give up “I just pushed, and decided I wouldn’t stop knocking on doors until the doors closed. Well, the doors just kept opening.”   Warrington   worked out a deal with the Port Coquitlam Spirit Committee, and 18 youth and their chaperones will be staying at that community’s recreation complex where they will be provided with free breakfast, and a welcoming ceremony courtesy of the Port Coquitlam Spirit 2010 Committee.

The young people who have received the tickets, come from the Native Friendship Centre programs and from the Naka’zdli First Nation’s cultural and leadership program. Naka’zdli program director, Vincent Prince, was near tears as he talked about the opportunity for the youth “Some of these children are coming right off the reserve, from broken families, and some have never travelled past Prince George.” The youth in his care have been learning drumming and dancing and he expects them to put those talents to work. Prince said with a chuckle, “Watch for us on T.V., you will see us cheering, or being escorted out because we are making too much noise.”

Transportation costs have been donated by the Friendship Centre and the Naka’zdli’s Recreation Society.

Prince was gracious in thanking the Prince George 2010 Spirit Committee for securing the tickets “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I can’t convey enough my thanks. I never dreamed this could happen for these children, I thank you, and I honour you.”