Grace Currie has been honoured as one of the province’s top young Indigenous athletes.
The Quesnel resident and and North Central Métis member was given the 2020 Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I-SPARC) Premier’s Award alongside 10 others.
The ceremony was held over zoom, hosted by sports broadcaster Blake Price.
“Grace has been living and breathing softball her whole life,” Price said, introducing Currie.
“All those years of playing around B.C. and competing in the U.S. for the Canada Futures Tour have paid off. She recently achieved her biggest goal by making the UBCO softball heat team.”
Currie plans to get a social work degree.
“Grace loves learning cultural lessons and traditions from her dad,” Price said.
”They camp and fish together. She embraces her ancestry in honour of her great-grandma, a residential school survivor.”
Currie was one of two softball players from Quesnel who received a regional award, alongside Taylor Parr. Currie also won a regional award in 2019,
Thirty athletes across the province were named as finalists, six from each region. Currie was one of 10 athletes who received a provincial award.
READ MORE: Quesnel softball players nominated for provincial award
“I have gotten the chance to represent my region, and I could not be more proud,” she said in the video.
“I understand the significance of this award, because I know the important role sports plays in Truth and Reconciliation. I am proud to say that I am part of a generation that represents the true beginning of healing.”
The nominees not only had to excel on the field, but also off it, by committing to education and culture.
“Sports have had a profound impact on my life and make a positive difference in the lives of young athletes across the province,” Premier John Horgan said in a news release.
“Every young person is capable of achieving great things. This year’s recipients stand out both on and off the field, as exceptional athletes and community leaders. We are proud to recognize these high-achieving young athletes as part of our province’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”
The I-SPARC is a provincial organization dedicated to supporting physically active Indigenous individuals, families and communities by increasing access to sport, recreation and physical activity.
Other Quesnel athletes have been honoured by I-SPARC in recent years, including swimmers Billy Swyers and Grace’s brother Garnet Currie in 2018 and 2017.
READ MORE: Quesnel swimmers win Indigenous Youth Excellence Premier’s Awards for second time
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