Provincial government distances itself from controversial Richmond track meet changes

A track at a school in Richmond, B.C., is shown in this CTV News image.

B.C.’s Ministry of Education and Child Care is distancing itself from controversial changes to elementary school track meets in Richmond, saying the decision rests solely with the local school district.

In a statement to CTV News, the ministry says track meets are extracurricular activities and not part of the province’s physical and health education curriculum. It adds there has been no provincial guidance requiring schools to eliminate awards or run events in a gender-neutral format.

“This decision was made by the Richmond School District,” the ministry said, directing questions about the changes back to the district.

The clarification comes after the Richmond School District previously said its decision to remove ribbons and introduce gender-neutral competition was aligned with the provincial curriculum.

The ministry also says the PHE curriculum does not dictate whether students should be grouped by gender, emphasizing that decisions about extracurricular programming are made at the district level.

The changes have sparked pushback from some students, parents and local officials. One Grade 7 student says he and his younger brother plan to boycott the meet over the removal of awards, while critics have raised concerns about the loss of competition and recognition.

Richmond city councillor and Olympian Alexa Loo has also questioned the impact of the new format on young athletes.

“The options for the children are to either be in a recreational group or a competitive group, and they’re to participate in those in a gender-neutral format,” Loo told CTV News. “So, for young girls who are looking for an opportunity to test their mettle, they don’t have that.”

The district has defended the changes, saying they shift the focus to participation, effort and personal achievement, with events still timed and measured but no podium finishes.

The Richmond School District has declined CTV News’ request for an on-camera interview, instead directing parents to contact the superintendent’s office by email with questions or concerns.

An online petition opposing the changes has now gathered more than 2,000 signatures.

The Richmond district track meet is scheduled for May 20.