TERRACE, B.C. – On a sunny weekend at the new cricket pitch in Thornhill, the distinct sounds of a leather ball meeting a willow bat echoed through the air. For the players and organizers, it was more than just a tournament; it was the vibrant, audible proof of a community vision coming to life.
At the heart of this success is the leadership of Kam Siemens, the President of the Northwest BC Cricket Association (NWBC). The weekend’s tournament, which brought together teams from across the north, was a celebration of a dream that began with the Terrace Cricket Club and has since blossomed into a thriving regional organization.
Siemens’ vision has been to use the globally beloved sport of cricket as a tool for community development. The association has become a crucial social hub, especially for many new Canadians in the region, offering a sense of belonging and a connection to home.
That spirit of connection was on full display during the tournament’s opening ceremonies on Saturday morning. In a powerful gesture of partnership, Kitselas Chief Glenn Bennett provided a traditional land acknowledgment. The NWBC Select team, in turn, wore orange jerseys to honour National Indigenous History Month, a decision that Siemens says is about fostering “meaningful understanding and respect.”
The on-field action was intense throughout the day. The home NWBC Select team, the Prince Rupert “Rupert Raptors,” and the Prince George “Northern Thunders” competed in a round-robin format. In the end, the PG Thunders emerged as champions after a hard-fought final against the local NWBC Select Team.
Individual players were also recognized for their outstanding performance:
- Tournament MVP: Harbir Singh (PG Thunders)
- Best Batter: Diamond (PG Thunders)
- Best Bowler: Sukhchain Singh (NWBC Select)
- Best Fielder: Yadwinder (Rupert Raptors)
This successful event would not have been possible without deep community support. The association wished to acknowledge its key sponsors, including local businesses Uppal Appliances, Verma Building Maintenance, and Supplement King; prominent community member Bob Erb; and RDKS Area C Director Ted Ramsey and Area E Director Bruce Bidgood.
The tournament was held at the region’s new dedicated cricket pitch, a facility completed in 2024 with the support of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, which has given the sport a permanent home and a foundation to grow.
With a successful tournament in the books, the NWBC Select Team is now preparing for its next competition in Prince George on the August long weekend, continuing to build a vibrant and inclusive sporting future for the Northwest.
