BC Green Games

SolarBC has donated three solar photovoltaic systems as prizes for three finalist schools in the BC Green Games competition.

A total of 23 B.C. schools are sharing $50,000 to recognize their students’environmental projects as winners of the first BC Green Games, Education Minister Shirley Bond announced today.

"Students were challenged to start projects that support sustainable development, greenhouse gas reduction or environmental stewardship," said Bond. "The level of participation and the quality of entries confirms that our young people are leading the way to a greener future."

BC Green Games was designed to encourage students to document and share projects that make positive changes in their school or community. A total of 140 entries were submitted from 34 school districts, with 24 prizes of $2,000 awarded. Reynolds Secondary won $4,000 for two winning entries, and 22 other schools are receiving $2,000 each. Entries included schoolyard gardens, waste reduction, battery recycling and a variety of energy-reduction initiatives.

In addition, two $1,000 viewer’s choice awards were given out, with a total of 9,000 votes being cast online. Windermere Secondary school won for its presentation about the school’s organic garden, and Chartwell Elementary school was chosen for its video that displays the school’s Grade 5 students’ passion for composting.

"We are proud to be part of the first BC Green Games," said Bryan Tisdall, President and CEO, Science World. "Our young people 'get it' – and we are thrilled to have already seen evidence of schools inspiring and learning from other schools across communities."

Three of the winning schools; Admiral Seymour Elementary, Reynolds Secondary and Dover Bay Secondary, were also awarded solar panel systems from SolarBC via a random draw. All participating schools received a celebration package to recognize their green efforts.

"SolarBC is delighted to be a part of this wonderful program, which champions creativity and encourages new ways of thinking about our world," said Nitya Harris, SolarBC executive director.

"Children of all ages are inspired by a solar future, and we are happy to help them move in that direction."

The BC Green Games is a partnership between the Province and Science World British Columbia. It was developed in collaboration with the North Vancouver and Richmond school districts and the Environmental Educator’s Provincial Specialist Association.