Wednesday, 8th August 2018
The Canada Games Council (CGC) and Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC), along with Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASB), Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSO) and National Sport Organizations (NSO), firmly believe that the development of Indigenous officials is crucial to positively impacting sport in Indigenous communities.
Through a collaborative approach, the Aboriginal Sport Circle, the Canada Games Council, the 2019 Canada Games Host Society and Sport Canada are establishing a pilot program that will bring Indigenous officials from across the nation to the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer for a once in a lifetime opportunity to observe and learn from NSO certified technical officials.
“This is a unique opportunity for emerging Indigenous officials to gain valuable insight and mentoring within a major Games setting,” says Lara Mussell Savage, I-SPARC Director, Sport. “We are excited for this opportunity to build officiating capacity within our communities.”
Interested Indigenous officials can apply to be part of the pilot program by visiting http://www.aboriginalsportcircle.ca/en/programs/officials.html
“We are thrilled to be working with our terrific partners on creating this incredible opportunity for Indigenous officials to learn from some of Canada’s best officials,” says David Patterson, Canada Games Council President and CEO. “The Canada Games not only help catalyze the careers of athletes and coaches, they also help develop our nation’s next generation of officials”.
The following sports will be included in the pilot program for the 2019 Canada Games:
“I am thrilled that in partnership with the Canada Games Council, Aboriginal Sport Circle, and Provincial Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies that Canada Snowboard will be part of leading the Indigenous Officials development program, says Kim Leming, Canada Snowboard Indigenous Snowboard Program Director. "As we move forward with our engaged NSO colleagues, it’s important to build and recognize the success of Aboriginal sport, in doing so we continue to build relationships, technical leaders & programs that support Indigenous officials, coaches, and athletes to participate at all levels of play and strive for excellence.”
The pilot program will strive to:
