Richmond School District restores competitive track meets with placement ribbons for spring 2027
The Richmond School District will bring back placement ribbons and separate boys' and girls' events for elementary school track meets in spring 2027, after 87 per cent of students surveyed said they wanted ribbons restored.
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The Richmond School District will bring back placement ribbons and competitive events at elementary school track meets starting in spring 2027, reversing a format that had removed ribbons and gender-separated events when it was introduced in May 2026, Richmond News reported November 4.
The spring 2027 format will include a choice between competitive and recreational events, separate boys' and girls' categories, and placement ribbons for students who compete. District spokesperson David Sadler told Richmond News there may also be some events where students participate in a group, though he gave no details on whether gender-neutral events would be included.
What the survey showed
The district surveyed students, staff, families and community members after the May 2026 format drew backlash. The results, as reported by Richmond News from a notice on the Richmond School District's website:
- 87 per cent of students supported bringing back ribbons in competitive events
- 92 per cent of parents supported it
- 68 per cent of district staff supported it
- 89 per cent of community members supported it
Many students said in the survey that ribbons made them "want to try harder" and "push themselves to do their best." District staff said in their responses that students are motivated by rewards and that ribbons are a way to "recognize their hard work and success in athletics."
What changed in May 2026 and why
In May 2026, the district introduced a new format for grades 4 to 7 elementary track meets. The format dropped placement ribbons and made events gender neutral. The stated goal was to increase participation by offering every student the chance to try every event. A "challenge by choice" option let students decide whether to take part competitively or recreationally.
The change drew backlash from parents and students, including a petition asking for the old format to be restored.
What comes next
The 2026-2030 Board of Education took office in early November 2026. Its seven trustees are Rod Belleza, Dean Billings and Danny Chang (Advance Richmond), Ken Hamaguchi and Heather Larson (Richmond Education Party), Alice Wong (Common Sense) and Donna Sargent (Independent). Their pages and tracked promises are at /bc/richmond-2026/tracker.
The district is still working on the operational details for the 2027 meets. Parents can follow updates on the Richmond School District's website.
Questions this story answers
What is the Richmond School District changing about track and field?
The Richmond School District announced it will bring back placement ribbons and competitive events at elementary school track meets starting in spring 2027. The spring 2027 format will include a choice between competitive and recreational events, separate boys' and girls' events, and placement ribbons for competitive events. The district's spokesperson David Sadler said there may also be events where students participate in a group, though no details were given on whether gender-neutral or co-ed events would be part of the new format.
Why did the district change the format again?
In May 2026, the district introduced a new format that removed placement ribbons and made events gender neutral, with the goal of increasing participation. The change drew backlash from parents and students. The district then surveyed students, staff, families and community members. According to a notice on the Richmond School District's website, the survey showed 87 per cent of students and 92 per cent of parents were in favour of bringing back ribbons in competitive events. School district staff were 68 per cent in favour, and community members were 89 per cent in favour.
What did students say about the ribbons?
In the district's survey, many students said ribbons made them 'want to try harder' and 'push themselves to do their best,' according to the district's notice on its website. District staff echoed this in the survey, saying students are motivated by rewards and that ribbons are a way to 'recognize their hard work and success in athletics.' The 2027 format revision was developed with the help of district association and union groups.
What was the previous track meet format in May 2026?
In May 2026, the Richmond School District introduced a new format for grades 4 to 7 elementary track meets. It dropped placement ribbons and made events gender neutral. Letters to parents in late April described a 'challenge by choice' option where students could participate in multiple events and choose to compete or take part recreationally. The stated goal was to increase participation and give all students the chance to try every event.
When will the new format take effect?
The new format will apply to elementary school track meets in spring 2027. The district said it is still working on 'operational details' to make sure the meets are well organized, inclusive and meaningful for students. No specific date for the first 2027 meet was announced.
Who is in charge of the Richmond School District?
The Richmond School District, also called School District 38, runs elementary and secondary schools in Richmond. Its Board of Education was elected on October 17, 2026. The seven elected trustees are Rod Belleza, Dean Billings, Danny Chang, Ken Hamaguchi, Heather Larson, Alice Wong and Donna Sargent. Their pages and promises for the term are at the Richmond tracker at /bc/richmond-2026/tracker.
Where can parents find more details about the 2027 track meets?
The Richmond School District posted its announcement on its own website. Parents can visit the Richmond School District's website at sd38.bc.ca for updates as operational details are confirmed. The Board of Education trustees elected in October 2026 oversee the district, and their pages are at /bc/richmond-2026/candidates.
What is the Richmond School District's official name?
The district is formally called School District No. 38 (Richmond), often abbreviated SD38. It runs public schools in the City of Richmond. Its seven trustees were elected on October 17, 2026, as part of the same municipal election that chose the mayor and eight city councillors.
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