Thank you to Cranbrook Flooring, these smiles are priceless!

ʔaq̓amnik’s Athletic Pride
Local business sponsors new jerseys for ʔaq̓amnik̓ Education Centre
Cranbrook BC- Students at ʔaq̓amnik̓ are feeling an added sense of pride this week, as they sport
brand new athletic jerseys. The jerseys were sponsored, as a way for one local business to give
back to the ʔaq̓am community.
Earlier this fall, Cranbrook Flooring was provided notice that they were the successful
proponent to provide flooring for the new gymnasium that is currently being built in the
community of ʔaq̓am. Coincidentally, around this same time; Cranbrook Flooring owner Clint
Eaton attended Cranbrook’s annual Paarlauf at TM Roberts, to watch one of his children
compete. It was then that Eaton noticed that the students of ʔaq̓ amnik did not have jerseys.
“I asked my spouse why their team didn’t have jerseys. They were wearing green pinnies,
while every other team were wearing logoed jerseys,” said Eaton. “I can remember playing
sports as a kid. The first time putting on your jersey each year gave you such a sense of pride.”
Eaton made the decision to reach out to the school and offer to sponsor the jerseys for the
students. The company made arrangements with Sidekick Stickers to design and produce the
jerseys; in cooperation with the school staff and ʔaq̓am Leadership.
The jerseys sport the words “ʔaq̓amnik̓ Skinku¢” and a cleverly designed logo. ʔaq̓amnik̓
is the school name and carries the Ktunaxa meaning of “the people of ʔaq̓am”. Skinku¢ is the
Ktunaxa word for coyote. The logo sports a fierce coyote; but also, incorporates the blue logo
that was designed in the community’s branding, which represents preservation of the Ktunaxa
language. Ultimately, the jerseys were a collaboration between many people who all had one
goal in mind: support the children of ʔaq̓am to take pride in who they are and their abilities. A
collaboration which ʔaq̓amnik̓ teacher and coach, Rebecca Ryan was pleased to see.
“The students were so thrilled to receive the jerseys,” said Ryan. We have been focusing
on developing physical literacy, and building competent movers who enjoy participating in
physical activities. The jerseys will go a long way in encouraging them to participate, and show
off their Ktunaxa pride. They didn’t want to take them off at the end of the day. Hu sukiǂq̓ ukni
(thank you) to everyone involved for thinking of our children.”
Media Contact:
Danielle Cardozo
Brook Public Relations
(250) 919-7595

BrookPublicRelations.com