New PlaySafe Ambassadors Champion Safe Participation for Youth in Sport

PlaySafe is excited to highlight the eight British Columbia athletes selected by Canadian Sport Institute Pacific (CSI Pacific) for the new PlaySafe Ambassador Program, an initiative designed to build a stronger, safer sport culture across the province. Along with four Game Plan Ambassadors, they make up the first cohort of athlete ambassadors in this new program.

CSI Pacific’s Ambassador Program was created to promote a positive, province-wide sport culture grounded in integrity, inclusion, and wellbeing. Ambassadors receive leadership training and storytelling opportunities to help them become visible champions of safer sport practices. Their ongoing posts, presentations, and community engagement will reinforce how safety and performance go hand in hand.

This shared vision reflects PlaySafe’s belief that everyone—athletes, coaches, parents, and community members—has a role in making sport better for all. When young athletes understand the connection between safety and success, they’re better able to thrive, enjoy their sport, and build lifelong positive experiences.

The 2026 PlaySafe Ambassadors are:

• Lindsay Dubue: Curling (Victoria)
• Gabriel Dyer: Rowing (Victoria)
• Keira Lu: Diving; (Victoria)
• Sofia Lundman: Judo (mid-Vancouver Island)
• Samuel Peters: Para-Alpine (Okanagan)
• Matthias Shorter: Rowing (Vancouver)
• Aleah Smith: Cross-Country Skiing (Columbia Basin)
• Levi Venables: Athletics (Victoria)

Looking Ahead:

Over the next year, PlaySafe Ambassadors will connect with youth across B.C., using their experiences to inspire safer, more supportive sport environments. Their voices will help reinforce that safe participation isn’t just the foundation of good sport – it’s the foundation of great performance.

Stay tuned for featured stories from the Ambassadors as they share how they bring PlaySafe values to life in their communities.