Liam Gill awarded OLY Canada Legacy Grant in Support of 'Liam and Friends" event
In support of his work to bring snowboarding into the lives of youth in rural communities, Liam Gill has been awarded one of seven 2023 OLY Canada Legacy Grants. The young Olympic halfpipe athlete intends to bring youth he met on a tour of the Northwest Territories to 'Liam and Friends,' a private event held at Sunshine Village Resort in Alberta.
Many of the invited participants face poverty, isolation, health issues, intergenerational trauma from residential schools, cultural barriers and a lack of opportunity, all of which are preventing the Indigenous athletes from participating in sport.
This project will pursue partnerships with neighboring communities, territorial/provincial snowboard associations, resorts, and industry stakeholders to drive increased support for all participants. It will not only be a catalyst for diversity in sport but it will inspire young members to stay in sport.
'Liam & Friends' wishes to create a community where experienced athletes can mentor newer riders. “Sport has the power to unite, create joy, and inspire hope and pride," says Gill. "I want to share my love for snowboarding and the outdoors with youth from rural communities in the NWT. It means the world to me that Aboriginal youth are riding, participating and getting involved. I am honoured the 'Liam & Friends' event will help to provide access to snowboarding for those youth who may not have the financial means to do so on their own.”
The OLY Canada Legacy Grant will support Olympian-led community programs designed to foster ethical, safe PODIUM dreams, empower positive, healthy PLAY, and support a sustainable PLANET. For this edition, seven grants of $10,000 have been awarded to Team Canada Olympians committed to leading a not-for-profit initiative in their community.
For more information, click here: Liam and Friends OLY Award
