Elementary school track meet changes spark backlash in Richmond, B.C.

A Metro Vancouver school district is facing backlash over changes to elementary school track meets.

Some elementary school students in Richmond, B.C., are pushing back against changes to their annual school track meet, including the elimination of ribbons and awards and a move to gender neutral competition.

Grade 7 student Sam Dinter says he looks forward to track and field every year, competing in events like the softball throw, discus, shot put and relay races. Over the years, he’s collected a box full of ribbons and medals.

This year, there won’t be any.

“It’s not as fun anymore because there’s no prize that you get,” Sam said.

With the district meet upcoming, Sam and his younger brother Jack have decided to boycott the event.

They also wrote a letter to their school and district trustees, raising concerns about what they say students lose when competition is removed.

“Without chances to see improvement or strive toward a clear outcome, students may miss out on learning perseverance, resilience, and how effort connects to results,” the letter reads, in part.

Their mother, Caitlyn Oye, says her sons’ frustration was immediate.

“They came home very frustrated with the process this year, and they kind of took the lead on wanting to stand up for the changes that were happening this year and speak out against them,” she said.

The Richmond School District defended the decision to eliminate ribbons at elementary track meets, saying it’s aligned with the Province’s Physical and Health Education curriculum. Officials say events will still be timed and measured, but there are no podium finishes or awards for top performers.

“The focus is on personal achievement, effort and participation rather than awards,” a statement from the district says.

The district says the revised format was piloted at four elementary schools in spring 2025, with feedback gathered from students and staff. Additional feedback was later collected from district staff in fall 2025, before the approach was expanded more broadly.

The district is also moving to gender-neutral competition, meaning boys and girls compete against one another.

Richmond city councillor and two-time Olympic snowboarder Alexa Loo opposes the change.

“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 said.

“So, for young girls who are looking for an opportunity to test their mettle, they don’t have that.”

B.C.’s Ministry of Education declined an interview, but provided a statement to CTV News.

“The province’s priority is ensuring that every child feels safe, supported, and welcome at their school. This focus is essential for creating opportunities for students to thrive in their education,” a spokesperson for the ministry wrote.

“While the provincial curriculum sets learning standards, boards of education determine the educational programming in their schools, including instructional approaches to best meet the learning needs of their students.”

Opposition to the changes continues to grow. An online petition has gathered more than 1,000 signatures in just over a week.

“I think we’re in a generation of coddling these days,” said Oye. “We see it in different parts of our society. And this is just another example of catering to the everybody is a winner mentality.”

The track meet is scheduled for May 20. While Sam says he won’t be attending, he hopes decision makers hear his message for next year.

“Change it back to the old ways,” he said.