Sts'ailes lacrosse player Max Goller has achieved an elite honour from the Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I-SPARC).
I-SPARC announced on Tuesday (May 20) that Goller is one of 10 Indigenous athletes in B.C. to receive the provincial 2024 Premier's Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport.
Goller was one of 32 regional recipients of the Premier's Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport honoured back in March. Nominations for the regional awards across six regions opened last September, seeking excelling athletes under the age of 25. Of the 32 regional recipients, 10 athletes were then selected as provincial award recipients.
"I am proud and honoured to be a recipient of the 2024 Provincial Premier's Awards for (Indigenous) Youth Excellence in Sport," Goller said in a video address. "I would like to congratulate my fellow recipients and I would like to thank I-SPARC for this opportunity. I would also like to thank my teammates, my coaches, my friends and family for being there along the way and helping my lacrosse dream. Thank you."
The other recipients of the provincial awards are:
- Adelle Larden, Lacrosse and Volleyball, Hwlitsum First Nations
- Austin Krahn, Golf, Mohawks of Akwesasne
- Caelen Cross, Hockey and Lacrosse, Rocky Mountain Métis Association
- Gavin Currie, Softball, Métis Nation BC
- Logan Mellish, Box Lacrosse, Squamish Nation
- Sophie Campo, Softball and Volleyball, Squamish Nation
- Summer Cannell, Figure Skating, Synchronized Skating & Free Skate, Musqueam First Nation
- Tennyson McCarthy, Basketball, Volleyball, Métis Nation BC
- Wyatt Blace, Hockey, Squamish Nation
Goller plays both field and box lacrosse, leading the Langley Thunder to win provincials three times. He helped lead Team B.C. to gold in nationals in both field and box; the box lacrosse gold was the first in the province's history. Goller coaches a team of under-14 players and has aspirations to continue his lacrosse career in college.
“Congratulations to the 10 exceptional athletes and leaders who are taking home a Premier’s Award for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport," Premier David Eby stated. "Your commitment to your sport, your studies and your culture is truly inspiring. I wish each of you every success as you continue to pursue your goals on and off the field of play while proudly representing your community."
President of the I-SPARC board of directors Corinne McKay said the recipients belong to an elite echelon of young athletes.
"We are optimistic that the recipients will be role models for future Indigenous athletes pursuing this award and similar opportunities," McKay stated.
Each recipient will receive a $500 bursary and a framed award print of the award, which was designed by Indigenous artist Carey Newman (Hayalthkin’geme). The recipients' photos and biographies will be on display at the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame in Vancouver.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Premier's Awards. Several past recipients went on to earn university scholarships and compete in Canadian national teams and in the Olympics.
The nomination process for the 2025 Premier's Awards for Indigenous Youth Excellence in Sport will begin in September and run through October.
