The Powell River Ayjoomixw Spirit of BC Community Committee is proud of the progress that it has made over the time of its existense. Below is a an explaination of the committee's goals and the projects it has met with success on and projects it will be taking on in the future.
- Attract athletes and teams to train in the Powell River region prior to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (Special emphasis on Paralympics: Sledge Hockey and Wheelchair Curling)
- Market Powell River products to be used at the 2010 Winter Games
Example: Locally produced wood flooring and furniture used in Athletes Village
2010 Commerce Centre
Our Spirit of BC committee is connected with the 2010 Commerce Centre and acts as a point of referal for businesses when opportunities arise
Opportunities Workshop
PRA Spirit of BC and the 2010 Commerce Centre teamed up to host a Business Opportunities Workshop on September 26, 2005 for local businesses wanting more information on how to gain from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games coming to BC
Hosting Teams
Our committee spearheaded the application process to host a team for training prior to the 2005 World Junior Hockey Championships.
The application was successful and Powell River was awarded the opportunity to host Team Norway from December 16th - 23rd, 2005. An exhibition game between Team Norway and Team USA was played in Powell River on December 22nd, 2005.
The hosting of both teams was a partnering between the Powell River Regals 2006 Allan Cup Committee, Powell River Kings Junior Hockey Club, Powell River Minor Hockey and the Powell River/Ayjoomixw Spirit of BC Community Committee.
The Powell River Spirit committee has been active in encouraging local arts and culture groups to apply for funding through ArtsNow of 2010 LegaciesNow. Part of this process included the hosting of a Grant Writing Workshop to assist groups in submitting successful grant applications.
Two local organizations have been successful in reciving funds from ArtsNow:
Powell River Academy of Music was awarded $20,000 in the Spring of 2005 to assist in the launch of the Opera Academy of the Pacific, which was launched in July 2005.
Malaspina Arts Society was awarded $3500 from ArtsNow in Spring 2006.
Paralympics
The Powell River Spirit Committee is focusing special attention on the Paralympic Games in 2010 as Powell River is considered a Model Community for Persons with Disabilities. The following are some of the areas the committee has been focusing it's attention with regards to the Paralympics.
- Hosting of the 2007 BC Disability Games. The committee will play a large role in the organizing of these Games.
- Participating in the Measuring Up Program through 2010 LegaciesNow. This program assists communities to improve their accessibility. Powell River was recognized as a leader in this area and was asked to speak on the subject in partnership with the City of Vancouver and the City of Whistler at the 2006 World Urban Forum in Vancouver.
- Rick Hansen 'Wheels in Motion'. PRA Spirit of BC along with ScotiaBank have organized the past two events - in 2005 and 2006. This event raises awareness for those people living with Spinal Cord Injuries.
- Sledge Hockey Demonstration. PRA Spirit of BC is arranging to have members of the provincial sledge hockey team travel to Powell River to hold a demonstration workshop.
- Powell River Model Community Project for Persons with Disabilities. In association with the Powell River Association for Community Living, the Powell River Model Community Project is creating a template to be used by other communities across Canada on how to implement changes to provide better accessibility for those with disabilities.
Volunteer Powell River Centre
PRA Spirit of BC assisted in Volunteer Powell River being awarded a $20,000 demonstration grant from LegaciesNow. Powell River is the only community in BC to be awarded this grant. Volunteer Powell River opened its doors to the public on July 7th, 2005. The centre works with volunteers to match them with appropriate volunteer opportunities in order to help individuals achieve personal growth and career development
The Volunteer centre also works with a range of organizations across the voluntary sector including human and social services, health care, education, arts, and sports and recreation
Walk to Whistler
PRA Spirit of BC has joined many other communities across BC to promote the 'Walk to Whistler' program. The program is designed to help raise awareness and promote fitness in our community. We are committed to increasing fitness levels by 20% by 2010. Participants track the distance that they walk or run, enter it on the website and see if they can go the distance from Powell River to Whistler. Registered participants will be entered into a draw to win 2 tickets to the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
- The Powell River/Ayjoomixw Spirit of BC assisted the City of Powell River with its successful bid to host the 2007 BC Disability Games
- PRA Spirit of BC is involved with Powell River hosting the 2006 Allan Cup National Senior Hockey Championships
- Spirit of BC will be hosting further Town Hall meetings featuring officials linked with the 2010 Winter Games
- Sports and Recreation: New curling rink / New all-weather field
- Literacy: Sliammon Nation Language Program/ New City Library
- Legacies: Olympic Live Site
- Tourism: Signage and Banner Program
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