B.C. school district responds to backlash over controversial track meet changes

The superintendent of a B.C. school district where the elimination of ribbons and gendered events explains what led to the controversial changes.

The superintendent of a B.C. school district is responding to criticism over recent changes to how elementary school track meets are run.

The changes, implemented this year at district track meets, eliminated ribbons and podium finishes while allowing boys and girls to compete against each other. The district says the goal is to make the events more inclusive and increase participation, but critics argue the new format removes incentives for students and diminishes competition.

CTV News spoke with Richmond School District Superintendent Christopher Usih, who said the decisions followed feedback gathered from teachers and students.

“There was also a survey of teachers in elementary schools around the track meets,” Usih said.

“One of the feedbacks we received was around making sure we create opportunities for more students to participate. Typically, in the past, not every student had the opportunity to participate because of the previous format.”

The district has previously said events are still timed and measured, but the focus has shifted toward participation, effort and personal achievement rather than awards and rankings.

The changes have sparked criticism from some families who believe the district moved too quickly and failed to consider the impact on student motivation.

Usih said the district takes parent feedback seriously and plans to conduct another survey in June. He said the results will be shared publicly later this summer and will help guide future decisions about the track meet format.

Student reacts to changes after track meet

Grade 7 student Lewis Font competed at Wednesday’s meet and said the removal of ribbons changed how he approached the event.

“Last year it was fun because I knew I was going to win something,” he said.

“So I tried really hard to do it and get better. And this year it’s like, I know I’m not getting anything, so I don’t really care that much about winning.”

His mother, Kim Nowitsky, said she understands the need for change, but questioned whether the new format strikes the right balance.

“I understand that things have to evolve, and I’m okay with change, but the changes have to make sense,” she said.

She added that the announcement of a new survey for parents and students came only after the initial decision drew media attention. Nowitsky is also asking the district to provide the survey in multiple languages to better reach Richmond’s diverse community, saying she fears some families are being left in the dark about the decisions being made.

The backlash has continued to grow online, with a petition opposing the changes now surpassing 2,100 signatures.