Two Quesnel softball players have been named recipients of the 2021 Premier’s Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.
Taylor Parr and Jersey L’Heureux are members of the Métis Nation.
Parr and L’Heureux are two of six outstanding athletes named as North regional recipients in a Thursday, June 15, news release by the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (ISPARC).
This year the Northeast and Northwest region were combined for one North region.
“Congratulations to the Premier’s Awards recipients in the North region for your achievements in sport, education, culture, community, and leadership,” stated Ken Edzerza, Tahltan Nation, ISPARC Northeast Regional Action Team Acting Lead.
“You have demonstrated that hard work and dedication to living an active and healthy lifestyle can have many positive effects on your personal journey and your community. We are so proud of you and your achievements.”
Read More: Quesnel softball players nominated for provincial award
Due to the pandemic, celebrations are not being held in person this year.
In a commemorative video highlighting each of the region’s athletes, Parr said she is extremely honoured to be named one of this year’s regional recipients.
“I would like to thank the amazing coaches I’ve had throughout my life, especially my pitching coach; thanks, Dad,” Parr said. “They have trained, challenged, guided, and supported me and have taught me the importance of including others—a win is much sweeter when shared as a team.”
L’Heureux said she is also honoured and proud to be named a recipient.
She is also a winter athlete and was a figure skater for 11 years and worked for CanSkate.
“I have worked so hard to be a role model for the younger generation of softball players,” L’Heureux said in the commemorative video. “My Métis ancestry comes from my dad, Waylon. He has been my biggest supporter throughout my softball journey. He has pushed me to be the best that I could be, and I want to thank my family and all my other coaches for all the help and support.”
Regional recipients automatically serve as nominees for the Provincial Premier’s Awards which will be announced later this year.
B.C. Premier John Horgan and Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, Melanie Mark offered their congratulations.
“Sport is a powerful medicine that truly changed my life,” Mark said in the news release.
“It has the power to uplift individuals and inspire communities. These young athletes are the best of the best and a shining example of reconciliation in action.”
Parr received the 2020 Premier’s Award for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport with Quesnel softball player Grace Currie last year.
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: rebecca.dyok@quesnelobserver.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.