Deadline: 31-Oct-2025
The Province of British Columbia and the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council have collaborated to establish the Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Indigenous youth athletes throughout the province.
The Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport recognizes athletes who have achieved excellence in performance sport and are regarded for their leadership qualities both on and off the field of play.
Nominations will be accepted for youth athletes 24 years of age or younger (born in 2001 or later) who are competing in performance sport. A maximum of 36 awards will be given out, up to six awards within each of I·SPARC’s regions: Northeast, Northwest, Interior, Fraser, Vancouver Coastal, and Vancouver Island. From that group, 10 provincial recipients will be selected and honoured. To be eligible for the awards, an athlete must meet the following criteria: Has been a permanent resident of B.C. for the last 12 months. Is of Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit). Is 24 years of age or younger (born in 2001 or later). Is actively participating in a recognized provincial sport and/or a regional/traditional sport and shows evidence of high athletic ability and performance results. Is enrolled in school and is actively pursuing or planning to pursue a post-secondary education. Past Regional recipients remain eligible until they are 25 years of age. Past Provincial recipients are not eligible to receive the award in subsequent years.
The Award’s selection committee will assess nominees using the following five criteria: Sport Achievements — Pursuing and achieving sport performances leading towards podium placements at regional, provincial, national and/or international competitions. Leadership Qualities — Demonstrating the qualities of leadership, coachability, strong work ethic, and the characteristics of fair play both on and off the field of play. Education — Demonstrating a commitment to academic studies and continued education. Cultural Awareness — Demonstrating pride in their Indigenous ancestry and being actively engaged in cultural activities. Future Goals — Demonstrating how their experience in sport is shaping their future.
The awards celebrate Indigenous athletes who not only demonstrate outstanding athletic performance but also excel in leadership, education, and cultural awareness. Only those competitive results and accomplishments achieved between October 1, 2024, and October 1, 2025, will be assessed for consideration.
Nomination forms must be completed in full, and applicants are reminded not to contact members of the selection committee regarding the status of their application. All inquiries should be directed to the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I·SPARC).
For more information, visit I·SPARC.
