Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport award given to Neskonlith Band endurance runner

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An Indigenous endurance runner from the Lower Nicola has received a provincial award for excellence in sport.

Darius Sam, of the Neskonlith Band, was one of 10 people province-wide to receive the 2021 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.

The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council announced the award recipients in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 15.

Corrine McKay, ISPARC board of directors president, congratulated the winning athletes.

“Each recipient embodies the qualities of a leader, is connected to their community, and is committed to their studies and future goals. All athletes have demonstrated perseverance and dedication to their sport,” McKay said.

In a news release, the council said it launched the nomination process for the awards in late 2021, in collaboration with the province.

Nominations were open to Indigenous athletes under 25 who have competed in performance sport, demonstrated a commitment to education and culture, and who promote healthy and active lifestyles.

Six athletes were selected from each of ISPARC’s six regions, resulting in 36 regional recipients.

Out of these 36, 10 were chosen to receive the 2021 provincial awards.

Other award recipients include Kaelem Dumont, Nevada Johnson, Felix Grant, Sasha Lam, Scott Larden, Gabrielle Papushka, Kiera Pemberton, Nikolas Sertic and Sahara Tom.

Provincial recipients will receive a $500 bursary, a framed premier’s award print, and will have their photograph and biography on display in the BC Sports Hall of Fame.

I.SPARC said nominations are open until Dec. 16 for the 2022 awards.

Nomination forms can be found on the ISPARC website.