NAIG ACE

Kalila George, Softball

When Aboriginal Team BC needed her most, Kalila George stepped up to the plate. Kalila was instrumental in inspiring ATBC at the Parade of Nations and Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 North American Indigenous Games in Cowichan. She was tireless in her energy, chanting and creating noise and motivation for the entire team. This was hugely important as ATBC made a real statement when arriving into the Opening Ceremony. Kalila carried this on through the tournament consistently raising the spirits of her team mates and leading ATBC as it's number one motivator.

Aboriginal Team BC Wrestling Team

Not only did this team pull in an impressive total of ten medals (five Gold, two Silver and three Bronze), they came together in a way that inspired the other athletes and coaches around them. When asked who was responsible for creating such a positive environment within their team; Coach Preston Charles commented that it was not one single athlete, but the contribution of the whole team to each be leaders. This was a great opportunity to showcase how leadership and performance go hand in hand.

Candace Archachan, Athletics

Candace lead the Aboriginal Team BC Athletics athletes from the front, dominating the field events in Cowichan. Candace not only took home Gold in Discus, but backed this up with a Silver in the Shot Put. Candace was awarded the ACE Leadership Award by Bernard Manual, Athlete and Coach Services Coordinator with ASRA who commented on her fantastic presence in bringing the athletics team together on and off the field. Leadership is more than just a great performance, it's about how you support others around you. Candace was a great example of doing just that.

ATBC Bantam Boys Basketball Team

The Bantam Boys Basketball Team had their back against the wall since the start of the North American Indigenous Games. Due to injury the basketball team consisted of only five players - meaning that each one of them would have to play each and every minute of every game. The ACE Leadership Award was presented to the entire team as they showed not only leadership, but courage to play through the entire tournament, never giving up and always supporting each other. This provided an outstanding example to the entire Aboriginal Team BC on what real leadership is.

ACE Leadership Award to Karen Henry, Chef de Mission

Aboriginal Team BC Athletes showed their support and respect for the tireless work and effort completed prior to and during the North American Indigenous Games, by personally acknowledging Chef de Mission Karen Henry with an ACE Leadership Award. The ACE Leadership Award is traditionally only awarded to athletes, but special consideration was made after a number of athletes approached BC Athlete Voice to request that Karen be recognized for her tremendous role in bringing together and leading Aboriginal Team BC. ATBC Athlete Sampson Sparrow from the Juvenile Boys Soccer Team presented Karen with the award and spoke of the importance of leadership on and off the sports field.

BC Athlete Voice would like to thank the following organizations for their ongoing support of the ACE Leadership Iniatitive; The Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport, 2010 Legacies Now, Team BC, the Coaches Association of BC, the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Association of BC, the BC Games Society, the Canadian Sport Centre Pacific, the Regional PacificSport Centres, and the Provincial Sport Organizations.

For more information on the ACE Leadership Program, please contact BC Athlete Voice at info(@)bcathletevoice.ca or on 604-333-3660.