The new season brings an inspiring new look to the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre gymnasium floor, featuring the Trevor Angus Wolf at centre court.
UNBC Director of Athletics and Recreation Loralyn Murdoch and Prince George Mayor Simon Yu gather at centre court with Brownridge Insurance representative and UNBC alumna Emily Holmes and UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne to unveil the new gymnasium floor design.
The University of Northern British Columbia in collaboration with the City of Prince George and community partner Brownridge Insurance have unveiled a significant refurbishment to the gymnasium floor in the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre (NSC), featuring the UNBC Timberwolves' Indigenous logo designed by Gitxsan artist and former UNBC student Trevor Angus.
The project, supported by a six-year sponsorship agreement with Prince George business Brownridge Insurance, is another vital step in the University's commitment to Indigenous representation and action on Truth and Reconciliation. A unique aspect of the agreement will see Gym 2 renamed Brownridge Court through to the end of the 2030 season.
The new court design showcases the Trevor Angus Wolf logo at centre in green, gold, black and white on blonde-coloured floorboards. The custom piping created by the artist with the original logo in 2021 serves as the court sidelines and features UNBC's motto "'En Cha Huná," from Dakelh (Carrier) Elders and interpreted as "respecting all forms of life." Highlighted by light staining, this stunning display of artwork creates an inspiring and impactful foundation for UNBC Timberwolves' basketball games, NSC users and visitors.
"The prominent placement of these meaningful pieces represents UNBC's ongoing commitment to acting on Truth and Reconciliation, a core theme in our strategic plan Ready." says UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne. "This project is another important opportunity to celebrate Trevor's artwork and the meaning behind the motto gifted to us from Dakelh Elders - encapsulating UNBC's spirit of academic freedom, respect for others and our continued efforts to recognize all perspectives."
The NSC combines the best in fitness, athletics and recreation to meet the needs of residents living in Prince George and throughout the region - from those looking to walk on the track to training high-performance athletes.
"The Charles Jago Northern Sport centre is a jewel in the City of Prince George and a remarkable community asset for all to enjoy," says Mayor Simon Yu. "Complementing last fall's unveiling of the mural in the NSC entrance, this beautiful artwork further enhancing our first-class fitness facility, adding another unique and inspiring touch for both residents and visitors."
This sponsorship agreement is an example of the Brownridge family's longstanding commitment to community and championing UNBC.
Their support for UNBC's Athletics programs has been unwavering and Brownridge Insurance's ongoing assistance and mentorship to School of Business students participating in the JDC West program has helped foster business leaders throughout the region.
(Brownridge Insurance representative and former UNBC Timberwolves women's basketball player Emily Holmes stands just inside the sidelines on Brownridge Court.)
"My family has enjoyed a meaningful connection with the Timberwolves and UNBC for many years. My business partners and I graduated from the University, and many of our staff members are alumni, so to have the opportunity to collaborate on such a significant project is incredibly meaningful," says Brownridge Insurance President, Gord Brownridge. "Community wellbeing, art and culture go hand-in-hand. We're proud to be able to contribute to furthering healthy, strong communities in Prince George and throughout the region."
"This project speaks to the importance of relationships. We're very thankful to the Brownridge family and Brownridge Insurance for supporting UNBC and the Timberwolves," says Payne. "To refer to centre court as Brownridge Court moving forward is an honour and I can't wait to celebrate with Twolves' fans at the home openers in November."
Fans packing the stands in Brownridge Court for the Timberwolves men's and women's basketball home openers against the Thompson Rivers WolfPack on November 3 will be treated to a ceremonial jump ball commemorating the occasion. Artist Trevor Angus will be courtside for the event.
For more information
3333 University Way
Prince George British Columbia
Canada V2N 4Z9
www.unbc.ca
