I am Laura Butler, and it was my privilege to lead the Board of Directors for the 2024 Maple Ridge BC Summer Games, hosted right here in our community. Alongside Vice President Ernie Daykin, a dedicated board of 14 directors, close to 2,000 incredible volunteers, and the support of the City of Maple Ridge team, our goal was to create a memorable experience for athletes, coaches, officials, and everyone who took part.

Community can be described as “a group of people who come together for a common purpose.”

In 2023, our Games community came together with exactly that: a shared purpose to inspire and lead our broader community in creating an incredible Summer Games experience in July 2024.

Goal accomplished!

Those five unforgettable days created lasting memories and celebrated countless achievements, but our vision for the Games extended well beyond the event itself. We also wanted to create a legacy that would benefit our community for years to come.

Thanks to the generosity and support of our community, the 2024 Maple Ridge BC Summer Games Board was able to make lasting investments, including accessible bleachers and shade trees at Telosky Stadium.

We also felt strongly about continuing to support local youth as they pursue their own dreams and goals.

With that in mind, the 2024 Maple Ridge BC Summer Games Board has partnered with the Maple Ridge Community Foundation to establish a legacy fund that will provide grants to local sports organizations, helping support the development of youth athletes as they strive to excel in their chosen sports.

It is a legacy made possible by an entire community — volunteers, coaches, officials, parents, supporters, and countless others who came together around a shared purpose.

We are all Team Maple Ridge.