Ferry Vouchers Fuel Sport Participation Across BC
Jul 15, 2025
Travel can often be a barrier to participating in sport—especially when tournaments require athletes, coaches, and teams to journey between Vancouver Island and the mainland. This spring, BC Ferries’ Sport Experience Program and Disability Sport Experience Program made a meaningful impact by easing the travel burden for athletes, coaches, managers, and officials attending sporting events across the province.
Between April and June 2025, approximately 1,500 ferry vouchers were distributed.
ViaSport received more than 160 applications during this three-month period, reflecting the growing demand for travel support among athletes, coaches, and sport organizations.
The ferry vouchers were distributed to participants from 21 different sports, enabling travel to 11 major events including:
- 2025 Artistic and Trampoline GymBC Championships
- 2025 Bell Canadian Swimming Trials
- 2025 Boccia Provincial Championships
- 2025 Racquetball BC Provincials
- 2025 Volleyball BC Provincial Championships
- BC Athletics Provincial Championships
- BC Golf Women’s Amateur Championship
- BC Wheelchair Basketball League – Finals
- BCWSA Wheelchair Rugby Junior Jamboree
- Judo BC Provincial Championships
- Minor Ball Hockey Provincial Championships
For many families and organizations, the ferry vouchers made all the difference.
“The grant supported travel to the venue for participants and families, which alleviated some of the financial burden of attending a meet of this caliber,” said Jamie Ferguson of the Kamloops Aquatic Club. “At this stage in their development, it is incredibly beneficial to the athletes to be attending higher-level meets to push themselves as far as possible. This grant was instrumental in making that happen for more athletes in our club, especially as travel from the Interior region is already a hard sell.”
In addition to opening doors to competition, the vouchers also allowed youth to explore personal growth and new experiences through sport.
“The ferry vouchers provided essential support, allowing our kids to participate in a sports camp in Kelowna, followed by basketball events in Seattle and Tacoma,” said Janelle Brooks from BC Wheelchair Sports. “The outcome of these events was incredibly positive. Our kids gained new basketball skills, improved their physical conditioning, and built connections with other athletes. More importantly, they developed greater self-confidence by stepping outside their comfort zones and experiencing new challenges.”
Thanks to the BC Ferries Sport Experience Program, more athletes across BC were able to access high-level competition, build confidence, and continue growing — both in and beyond their sport.
Interested in applying? Find out more about eligibility and submit your application by clicking the links below:
