BC Athletics - Track and Field, Road Running, Cross Country, Race Walking, Marathons, Ultras in British Columbia, Canada

CEO Updates

Event Season is Upon Us!

Spring has arrived and events are in full swing at the track, on the road and on the trails.I wanted to take an opportunity to provide a quarterly update.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS RETREAT

Last month, the BC Athletics Board of Directors and I attended a weekend retreat to discuss the path forward for BC Athletics. We explored innovative ways in which athletics can enrich our communities and how we can enhance support for our members. In the upcoming months, we’re excited to unveil these initiatives and invite member input.

PARA ATHLETICS

Last month, I also had the opportunity to attend an Athletics Canada Para Development Camp in Victoria to build key relationships with Athletics Canada and learn about ways we can expand our support for the development of para athletics in BC.

ATHLETICS FOR ALL GRANT

BC Athletics is a recent recipient of the Athletics Canada “Athletics for All Grant”, funded by the Government of Canada. We will use these funds to enhance our community Run Jump Throw Wheel programs, with a focus on inviting newcomers to Canada to get involved with Athletics throughout the province. As part of this grant, we recently hosted a “FREE” Run Jump Throw Wheel Instructor course, where we had more than 35 participants register to be trained in facilitating Run Jump Throw Wheel programs in their clubs, communities, and schools.

Additionally, we have received grant funding for Athletics in Canada Day, funded by the Government of Canada. This event will promote and celebrate Athletics in Canada. We will host activations on June 12, 2024 in Victoria, as part of the Victoria Track Classic and June 15 in Burnaby, as part of the Harry Jerome Track Classic.

WE’RE HIRING!

BC Athletics is recruiting for our summer program assistant roles. These roles are integral to our summer programming and supporting our BC Teams programs! We invite all eligible applicants to apply.

OFFICIALS

To facilitate hundreds of events across the province, we continue to roll out the Officials Management System. This system is designed to foster officials’ development and manage assignments efficiently. We extend our gratitude to our officials for their dedication in embracing this new system and adapting to a fresh approach. If you are interested in volunteering as an official, you can find more information here. We are always looking to build our officials’ roster!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April, May and June will be jam-packed months for our members, with many exciting events on the horizon, including the 2024 Bell Olympic and Paralympic Trials in Montreal, Quebec at the end of June! Be sure to check out the BC Athletics Calendar for all the BC Athletics sanctioned events coming to BC this spring and summer.

Thank you for being a part of the BC Athletics community and I look forward to seeing you an event this spring!

Yours in Sport,

Megann VanderVliet

megann.vandervliet@bcathletics.org

Chief Executive Officer

What is BC Athletics?

BC Athletics is the Provincial non-profit amateur sport organization for Track & Field, Road Running, Marathons/Ultras, Cross Country/Trail Running and Race Walking. A Branch member of Athletics Canada, BC Athletics is made up of individual members, member clubs and affiliated organizations. The purpose of the Association is to promote, encourage and develop the widest participation and the highest proficiency in the sport of Athletics.

BC Athletics is financially assisted by:

In order to meet its purpose, the Association annually:

Publishes a Calendar of Events listing Cross Country, Marathon, Race Walk, Road Running, Track & Field, Trail and Mountain Running events in British Columbia, Canada, neighbouring Provinces/Territories and States and Internationally
Assists in the development of Cross Country, Marathon, Race Walk, Road Running, Track & Field, Trail and Mountain Running
Provides education and training clinics for coaches, teachers, officials, athletes, event organizers and club administrators.
Hosts local, provincial, national and international events and competitions through member clubs and organizations
Selects BC Men's and Women's Teams that compete in Canadian Championships, Cd/W Cd Games & Invitational Events
Advocates for the identification and development of facilities for cross country running, road/marathon running, track & field and race walking
Is a source for information, contacts, event entries and technical standards for Athletics

Vision, Mission, Values

Vision

British Columbia will provide international level excellence in Athletics.

Mission

Through leadership and the delivery of dynamic programs and services,

BC Athletics drives the growth and development of Athletics in BC.

Values Statements

BC Athletics will:

conduct our business with Integrity, through ethical decision making, honesty and fairness for our members and the public;
create a fun and positive experience for our participants;
promote PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT as being equally important as the pursuit of organizational excellence;
strive for Excellence in everything that we do;
link the principles of Canadian Sport for Life to the programs and services of the association;
be Inclusive in all of our activities, respecting differences and championing affordable opportunities and accessible programs
encourage continued PARTICIPATION in Athletics through a variety of opportunities as an athlete, coach, official or sport volunteer;
create a sense of community through a collaborative and supportive environment; and
drive creativity and innovation as we work to continually improve.

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