Rick Brant (athlete) facts for kids
Rick Brant, born on September 27, 1967, is a proud Mohawk athlete. He was a fantastic runner, especially in middle-distance races. Rick won the Tom Longboat Award in 1987, which is a big national award for Indigenous athletes. He grew up in Ontario and is part of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte First Nation. Today, he lives in Cowichan, British Columbia.
Rick is also well-known for helping to create the Aboriginal Sports Circle. He has also led the Indigenous Sport Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC). Plus, he was the main leader for three big North American Indigenous Games (NAIG) in 1993, 1997, and 2008. From 2015 to 2018, Rick was the President of the North American Indigenous Games Council. He still helps out on their executive team.
Rick Brant's Athletic Journey
Rick Brant was a member of Canada's national track and field and cross country teams. He was a national champion in the 800 meters race, the 4x400 meter relay, and team cross country. In 1984, he won the "Most Improved Athlete" award while with the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club.
In 1986, Rick was part of the University of Ottawa's cross country team. They competed in important university championships. In 2008, his old high school in Ottawa, Brookfield, honored him. They added him to their "wall of fame" for his amazing running career.
Rick also received the Tom Longboat Award in 1987. This award celebrates the most outstanding Indigenous athlete in Canada.
Key Athletic Achievements
Rick Brant had many impressive achievements during his athletic career:
- From 1986 to 1988, he was a member of Canada's National Track and Field Team.
- In 1988, he was named Saskatchewan Indoor Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
- From 1987 to 1988, he was the provincial 800-meter champion in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
- In 1987, he was part of the university indoor track and field championships. His team won the 4x400 meter relay.
- In 1987, he won the Tom Longboat Award as the Most Outstanding Canadian Indigenous Athlete.
- Also in 1987, he was the 800-meter champion in a competition between Canada, Wales, and Ireland.
- He won the Canadian Challenge Final for the 800 meters in 1987. He was also named the Most Outstanding Male Athlete.
- In 1986, his university team won the Cross Country Championship.
- He received a National Achievement Award from Ontario Amateur Sport in 1986.
- He reached the semi-finals of the 1986 World Junior Championships in the 800 meters.
- In 1986, he was the National Junior Champion in both the 800 meters and the 4x400 meter relay.
Rick Brant's Impact on Sports
Rick Brant has done a lot to help Indigenous sports in Canada. He helped start the Aboriginal Sports Circle. This group is Canada's main voice for Indigenous sports, recreation, and physical activity. He was the Executive Director of this group from 1998 to 2005.
During his time there, Rick helped bring back the Tom Longboat Awards. He also helped create the National Aboriginal Coaching Awards. These awards recognize great Indigenous coaches. He also helped develop special coaching guides called Aboriginal Coaching Modules. Plus, he helped start the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.
Rick has also been very involved with the North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). He helped create the North American Indigenous Games Council. This is the group that runs the games internationally. He also managed three different NAIG events:
- Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in 1993
- Victoria, British Columbia in 1997
- Cowichan Valley, British Columbia in 2008
More recently, Rick helped create the Indigenous Sport Physical Activity and Recreation Council (I·SPARC) in British Columbia. He also helped make the Aboriginal Sport, Recreation and Physical Activity Strategy for BC. This was the first long-term plan of its kind in North America. Rick is the Executive Director of I·SPARC. This group is the official Indigenous sport body for British Columbia.
In 2008, Rick was the CEO for the Cowichan North American Indigenous Games. He helped create the Legacy Plan for these games. This plan helped make sure the games had a lasting positive effect. It included plans for staff, marketing, fundraising, sharing knowledge, and protecting funds.
