The BC OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (the Academy) is an opportunity for young people to learn about the Olympic movement, Olympic values, individual leadership styles and abilities, and how to tackle projects and issues with teamwork.

The 50 youth who are selected to attend each Academy represent all parts of the province of British Columbia. The delegates are in grades 9 or 10 when they attend and have demonstrated their leadership abilities and interest in sport and Olympic values in their schools and communities.

During the Academy, the delegates listen to Olympians and Paralympians speak about their experiences in competition and in life. They discuss ways to embrace the Olympic values in their everyday lives. The delegates also participate in workshops and group work projects during the four-day event that include: goal setting, team building, event management, and discussions on issues from the Olympic and Paralympic movements. The final evening features a Dinner of Champions, where the delegates have a chance to interact with Olympians and Paralympians in a banquet setting.

The Academy also offers youth of our province opportunities to experience the three pillars of the Olympic movement - sport, culture and the environment - through various activities and presentations. The interactions they share with their fellow delegates helps bridge the geography between young people from all corners of the province.

The Academy is held biennially in conjunction with the BC Winter Games, and the next Academy will be March 4-7, 2010 in Terrace.

Transportation to and from the Academy is provided by the BC Games Society and delegates are a formal part of the BC Winter Games through participation in the Opening Ceremony, volunteering at a Games event, by attending special events and sharing many of their meals with the BC Games athletes. By having the Academy incorporated into the BC Winter Games, delegates not only walk away with a leadership experience but a Games experience as well.

The BC Olympic & Paralympic Youth Leadership Academy relies on the commitment of its
Partners:
2010 Legacies Now, Aboriginal Sports and Recreation Association of BC, BC Athletes Voice, BC Disability Games Society, BC Games Society, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Sport Centre Pacific / PacificSport, ProMOTION Plus, and Sport BC.