The Vancouver Island First Nations Snowboard Team is heading into their eighth year of carving up the hills of Mount Washington.
The program provides aboriginal youth between the ages of nine and 19 the opportunity to learn and develop their snowboarding skills. Coaching, instruction, equipment and Mount Washington lift passes are provided to the participants.
“The recreation/development program is provided free to the team members,” says Kim Leming, Vancouver Island manager. “In exchange, these aboriginal youth are expected to be in good standing in school and their communities, maintain a drug and alcohol free season, willingness to commit and participate as a member for the season.”
Past snowboard team participants have come from the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Qualicum and Ahousaht. The Island team is fortunate to have Mount Washington, volunteers and parents that has ensured the success of the program during the last seven years.
The Vancouver Island First Nations Snowboard Team Application is due Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. Intake form, transcripts and one or two letters of support from a community mentor, coach or teacher need to be included to complete the application package. E-mail vancouverisland.fnst@gmail.com or call 250-218-2884 to request an intake form or head to the First Nations Snowboard Team–Vancouver Island Facebook page for a download.
“Over the past few seasons selected youth mentors may attend coaching clinics to become snowboard instructors, officials or take the Canada Snowboard Coaching Programs Intro to Comp Training," Leming said. "The youth return to instruct and mentor the following season team, and in turn builds team capacity.
"Past coaches and instructors have gained employment at Mount Washington and instructing or coaching with mainland teams and clubs,” adds Leming. “I’m very proud of these youth, and that our athletes today are the leaders of tomorrow!”
– Vancouver Island First Nations Snowboard Team