Bridge Through Sport

Started in 2002, the "Bridge Through Sport" Program is a partnership between UBC Community Affairs, UBC Athletics, and the Musqueam Indian Band. Athletic and educational initiatives are jointly developed to meet the objective of using sport, educational, and social initiatives as a connection to youth in the Musqueam community and through this partnership to Aboriginal youth across British Columbia.

Goals

• To use sport as a mechanism to attractto the University First Nations youth who perhaps would not otherwise be drawn to UBC, and to make the University more accessible and attractive to Aboriginal youth and families.

• To support Musqueam Recreation’s vision of fostering leadership through sport, placing emphasis on the athletic activity not the result, and creating competition in a spirit of friendly rivalry that encourages youth to focus not on being the best they can be rather than focussing on being the best.

• To encourage Musqueam and First Nations youth to complete high school and pursue post-secondary education as a complement to other forms of learning.

• To expand the knowledge base of the University, at all levels (e.g. senior management, faculty, staff, students), to include the presence of the Musqueam community and to its history.

• To provide leadership and mentoring opportunities for UBC students

Partners

Office of Community Affairs

The Office of Community Affairs provides staff support through the position of the "Bridge Through Sport" Coordinator. This staff person’s main responsibility is to coordinate co-sponsored events and initiatives with Programs/Faculties from both the UBC Community, and the Musqueam Community. The Office of Community Affairs also provides joint funding for some "Bridge Through Sport" initiatives.

UBC Athletics and Recreation

The UBC Athletics and Recreation Department’s involvement includes participation from Varsity athletes in presenting their sport to youth in the Musqueam community. Varsity athletes serve as role models for youth, as they embody both athletic and academic ability. In addition, UBC Athletics and Recreation provides connections and accessibility to UBC sport facilities and programs for "Bridge Through Sport" initiatives.

Musqueam Indian Band

The Musqueam Indian Band provides staff support from various departments that work in conjunction with staff at UBC to develop, plan, coordinate, and co-host initiatives under "Bridge Through Sport". The Musqueam Indian Band provides joint funding for initiatives. Musqueam staff inform the Musqueam community of opportunities available through "Bridge Through Sport" and also act as a contact to other First Nations communities.

Programming

September 2005 – August 2006

"Bridge Through Sport" Reading Club
Musqueam Youth Project - Creative Writing Workshops
UBC Aboriginal Youth Leadership Fair
Annual Musqueam and UBC Youth Soccer Tournament