Langley’s Jamey Paterson has long been involved with local and regional sports – including helping organize the BC Summer Games in 2010 in Langley.
Earlier this month, he was appointed as chair of BC Games, overseeing the massive youth sporting events that bring thousands of athletes to one B.C. town for summer or winter competitions.
We asked Paterson a few questions about the Games, sports, and the future of youth athletics.
How does one become chair of BC Games? Were you surprised by the appointment?
Members of the public are encouraged to submit their names to the Provincial Government Board Resourcing office for appointments to various committees. I’d expressed an interest after participating as the vice chair in the 2010 BC Summer Games hosted in Langley, to be part of this board. At the time, there were a lot of great people ahead of me who were also interested in being part of this great program, so in answer to your question, yes – both surprised and honoured.
Tell us about your involvement with BC Games over the past few years.
I had the pleasure of working with Michael Jackstien as Vice President of the 2010 BC Summer Games. In 2010, we worked with community organizations and local residents to fundraise thousands of dollars that went to directly to facilitate the games. We worked alongside businesses as they donated services and liased with local venues as they hosted various events. One of my main roles was working alongside the hundreds of volunteers who made these games possible – and this was the most rewarding of experiences.
What are the chair’s duties?
My job will involve helping to lead the provincial Board of Directors, setting policies and direction of the Society to ensure the continued success of the BC Summer and Winter Games. We are also committed to creating the best environment for Team BC to thrive at the Canada Games.
What are the biggest tasks facing you and BC Games in the next few years?
I think one of the biggest tasks we have going forward will be to continue to deliver the high quality of services that participants are used to at the games. We are also committed to the ongoing health of the host communities who are staging the games and over the next number of years a great challenge will be finding new and creative ways to grow non-government revenue and support.
Cowichan and Kamloops are hosting the next summer and winter BC Games, respectively. What does BC Games do to help the local organizers make the event a success?
The BC Games Society is recognized as a leader and expert in event management and they provide a structure, template and guidelines for host communities to follow as well as staff support throughout the planning process. The Games are celebrating 40 years in 2018 and the successes from past Games are passed on to the next host communities.
You’ve been on the local organizing side when Langley hosted the BC Summer Games in 2010. What did you learn from that experience that you will use in your new position?
Wow, I learned so much doing the Langley games from dealing with both local and provincial governments, organizing a valuable group of directors and how great of a volunteer base Langley has to draw from. Without countless community members giving of their time, we could not pull a event like the games off.
Where do you see the BC Games going in the future?
The BC Games will continue to play an important role in to provide a valuable competitive opportunity for athletes, coaches and officials to grow in athleticism and sportsmanship. We need to continue to foster the strategic relationship with other organizations in the provincial and national sport sectors. We will also continue to build community leadership capacity through the skills and experiences gained by volunteers through the BC Games.
How can BC Games ensure that kids from all walks of life and all parts of B.C. get a chance to take part in an event like the BC Games? Can BC Games help create sporting opportunities more generally for disadvantaged youths?
Athletes from every corner of the province come to the BC Games representing the eight geographical zones of the province. The BC Games has developed a bursary awards program to assist athletes to pursue higher levels of competition.
Through the BC Games, unique programs have been developed to engage youth in the host communities. Often there is a financial legacy left in the community that is reinvested into programs to encourage youth participation. The BC Games legacy has also helped establish a number of community chapters of KidSport which is a charity that provides funding to children to participate in a season of sport. I am committed to seeing this program move forward in leaps and bounds.
You’ve also helped organize events like the Langley Walk. How important is it to you to get people involved in sports and physical exercise?
I believe in keeping fit but I have never heard anyone say I wish I hadn’t participated in that walk or event. There is something special about joining friends and neighbors in social activities, it not only promotes physical health and wellness, but creates a sense of emotional support and community – important in a society where so many people can feel isolated.
Do you have a favourite sport, either as a participant or a spectator?
I grew up doing all sorts of sports but I would say Soccer and Football were my favourites sports.
Do you see the BC Games returning to Langley in the future?
Langley hosted the BC Summer Games in 2010. The Games bid process has been completed through to 2022 but, it would be great to bring the Games back to the community in the future. Langley has such great facilities for multi games events and of course a special group of leaders and volunteers, plus, Langley is my own hometown and holds a special place in my heart.
