[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":319},["ShallowReactive",2],{"news-list":3,"article-\u002Fnews\u002Frichmond-schools-track-field-ribbons-2026-11-05":82,"article-people-\u002Fnews\u002Frichmond-schools-track-field-ribbons-2026-11-05":257},[4,19,34,45,58,70],{"path":5,"title":6,"description":7,"date":8,"publishedAt":9,"author":10,"category":11,"tags":12,"image":16,"imageAlt":17,"imageCredit":16,"updated":16,"linkedinPostUrl":16,"pinned":18},"\u002Fnews\u002Frichmond-schools-track-field-ribbons-2026-11-05","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.","2026-11-05","2026-11-05T07:29:00-07:00","voche.me editors","Election news",[13,14,15],"Richmond Board of Education","Schools","Community",null,"Illustration of colourful placement ribbons on a table in a school gym",false,{"path":20,"title":21,"description":22,"date":8,"publishedAt":23,"author":10,"category":24,"tags":25,"image":31,"imageAlt":32,"imageCredit":33,"updated":16,"linkedinPostUrl":16,"pinned":18},"\u002Fnews\u002Frob-howard-richmond-inauguration-priorities-november-2026","Rob Howard sworn in as Richmond's new mayor with plan for trade centre, spending review and housing","Mayor Rob Howard outlined his priorities for the 2026-2030 term at Richmond City Hall on November 2: a trade and exhibition centre, an independent spending review, housing for seniors, and a council vote on supervised injection sites.","2026-11-05T07:25:00-07:00","Long read",[26,27,28,29,30],"Mayor","Richmond City Council","Housing","Public safety","Taxes and spending","https:\u002F\u002Fimages-dh-production-baselayer.dailyhive.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F11\u002Frichmond-mayor-rob-howard-inauguration-nov-2-2026-f.jpg?format=auto","Mayor Rob Howard speaking at his inauguration at Richmond City Hall on November 2, 2026","City of Richmond \u002F Daily Hive",{"path":35,"title":36,"description":37,"date":8,"publishedAt":38,"author":10,"category":11,"tags":39,"image":42,"imageAlt":43,"imageCredit":44,"updated":16,"linkedinPostUrl":16,"pinned":18},"\u002Fnews\u002Ftourism-richmond-launchpad-program-november-2026","Tourism Richmond opens applications for mentorship program to build new local experiences","Tourism Richmond is accepting applications for its Pacific. Authentic. Experiences Launchpad program, which will give three selected participants eight months of mentorship and $5,000 to launch tourism experiences in the city. Applications close November 27.","2026-11-05T07:33:00-07:00",[40,41,15],"Tourism","Business","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.vmcdn.ca\u002Ff\u002Ffiles\u002Frichmondnews\u002Fimages\u002Ftourism\u002Fnancy_headshot.jpg","Tourism Richmond CEO Nancy Small","Richmond News",{"path":46,"title":47,"description":48,"date":49,"publishedAt":50,"author":10,"category":11,"tags":51,"image":55,"imageAlt":56,"imageCredit":57,"updated":16,"linkedinPostUrl":16,"pinned":18},"\u002Fnews\u002Fsenior-link-society-board-richmond-november-2026","Richmond society serving isolated seniors is looking for new board members","Senior Link Society, which has served lonely Richmond seniors for 26 years, is recruiting board members after its president announced they are leaving.","2026-11-01","2026-11-01T08:22:00-07:00",[52,53,54],"community","seniors","Richmond","\u002Fimages\u002Fnews\u002Fbc-richmond-2026\u002Fai\u002Fsenior-link-society-board-richmond-november-2026.webp","Illustration of an empty community room with chairs around a table and a coffee urn","Illustration made with AI for voche.me",{"path":59,"title":60,"description":61,"date":62,"publishedAt":63,"author":10,"category":11,"tags":64,"image":16,"imageAlt":69,"imageCredit":16,"updated":16,"linkedinPostUrl":16,"pinned":18},"\u002Fnews\u002Frichmond-rcmp-online-marketplace-fraud-2026-10-31","Richmond RCMP warn of online marketplace fraud after $22,000 in reported losses","Fraudsters have handed buyers envelopes of worthless paper instead of payment in multiple incidents since November 2025. RCMP advise using the Exchange Zone at the No. 5 Road detachment.","2026-10-31","2026-10-31T08:26:00-07:00",[65,66,67,68,52],"Richmond RCMP","fraud","safety","online marketplace","Illustration of a police detachment exchange zone for safe online marketplace transactions",{"path":71,"title":72,"description":73,"date":62,"publishedAt":74,"author":10,"category":11,"tags":75,"image":80,"imageAlt":81,"imageCredit":33,"updated":16,"linkedinPostUrl":16,"pinned":18},"\u002Fnews\u002Fwatermania-expropriation-richmond-2026-10-31","Richmond moves to take ownership of Watermania through expropriation","The City filed an expropriation notice in July 2026 to acquire the aquatic centre at Riverport before its lease expires in March 2027.","2026-10-31T08:25:00-07:00",[76,77,78,79,52],"City of Richmond","recreation","aquatic centre","expropriation","https:\u002F\u002Fimages-dh-production-baselayer.dailyhive.com\u002Fuploads\u002F2026\u002F10\u002Fwatermania-aquatic-centre-richmond-f-1.jpg?format=auto","Watermania aquatic centre at the Riverport Sports and Entertainment Complex in Richmond, BC",{"id":83,"title":6,"aiMetadata":84,"author":10,"body":95,"candidates":198,"category":11,"date":8,"description":7,"extension":206,"faq":207,"image":16,"imageAlt":17,"imageCheckedAt":16,"imageCredit":16,"imageScene":232,"linkedin":233,"linkedinPostUrl":16,"meta":240,"metaDescription":241,"navigation":242,"path":5,"pinned":18,"primarySourceUrl":243,"publishedAt":9,"seo":244,"seoTitle":16,"sourceId":245,"sourceIsPaywalled":18,"sources":246,"stem":252,"storyType":253,"tags":254,"topicKey":255,"updated":16,"__hash__":256},"news\u002Fnews\u002Frichmond-schools-track-field-ribbons-2026-11-05.md",{"summary":85,"keyTopics":86,"semanticKeywords":91},"The Richmond School District announced it will restore placement ribbons and competitive events at elementary school track meets starting in spring 2027, following survey results showing 87 per cent of students wanted ribbons back.",[87,88,89,90,13],"Richmond schools","track and field","placement ribbons","School District 38",[92,93,94],"Richmond school district track field","placement ribbons elementary school","SD38 Richmond 2026",{"type":96,"value":97,"toc":191},"minimark",[98,102,105,110,113,129,132,136,139,142,146,188],[99,100,101],"p",{},"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.",[99,103,104],{},"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.",[106,107,109],"h2",{"id":108},"what-the-survey-showed","What the survey showed",[99,111,112],{},"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:",[114,115,116,120,123,126],"ul",{},[117,118,119],"li",{},"87 per cent of students supported bringing back ribbons in competitive events",[117,121,122],{},"92 per cent of parents supported it",[117,124,125],{},"68 per cent of district staff supported it",[117,127,128],{},"89 per cent of community members supported it",[99,130,131],{},"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.\"",[106,133,135],{"id":134},"what-changed-in-may-2026-and-why","What changed in May 2026 and why",[99,137,138],{},"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.",[99,140,141],{},"The change drew backlash from parents and students, including a petition asking for the old format to be restored.",[106,143,145],{"id":144},"what-comes-next","What comes next",[99,147,148,149,154,155,159,160,164,165,159,169,173,174,178,179,183,184,187],{},"The 2026-2030 Board of Education took office in early November 2026. Its seven trustees are ",[150,151,153],"a",{"href":152},"\u002Fbc\u002Frichmond-2026\u002Fcandidates\u002Frod-belleza","Rod Belleza",", ",[150,156,158],{"href":157},"\u002Fbc\u002Frichmond-2026\u002Fcandidates\u002Fdean-billings","Dean Billings"," and ",[150,161,163],{"href":162},"\u002Fbc\u002Frichmond-2026\u002Fcandidates\u002Fdanny-chang","Danny Chang"," (Advance Richmond), ",[150,166,168],{"href":167},"\u002Fbc\u002Frichmond-2026\u002Fcandidates\u002Fken-hamaguchi","Ken Hamaguchi",[150,170,172],{"href":171},"\u002Fbc\u002Frichmond-2026\u002Fcandidates\u002Fheather-larson","Heather Larson"," (Richmond Education Party), ",[150,175,177],{"href":176},"\u002Fbc\u002Frichmond-2026\u002Fcandidates\u002Falice-wong","Alice Wong"," (Common Sense) and ",[150,180,182],{"href":181},"\u002Fbc\u002Frichmond-2026\u002Fcandidates\u002Fdonna-sargent","Donna Sargent"," (Independent). Their pages and tracked promises are at ",[150,185,186],{"href":186},"\u002Fbc\u002Frichmond-2026\u002Ftracker",".",[99,189,190],{},"The district is still working on the operational details for the 2027 meets. Parents can follow updates on the Richmond School District's website.",{"title":192,"searchDepth":193,"depth":193,"links":194},"",2,[195,196,197],{"id":108,"depth":193,"text":109},{"id":134,"depth":193,"text":135},{"id":144,"depth":193,"text":145},[199,200,201,202,203,204,205],"rod-belleza","dean-billings","danny-chang","ken-hamaguchi","heather-larson","alice-wong","donna-sargent","md",[208,211,214,217,220,223,226,229],{"question":209,"answer":210},"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.",{"question":212,"answer":213},"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.",{"question":215,"answer":216},"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.",{"question":218,"answer":219},"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.",{"question":221,"answer":222},"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.",{"question":224,"answer":225},"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 \u002Fbc\u002Frichmond-2026\u002Ftracker.",{"question":227,"answer":228},"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 \u002Fbc\u002Frichmond-2026\u002Fcandidates.",{"question":230,"answer":231},"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.","A row of colourful placement ribbons laid out on a table in a school gym, with a track and field starting line visible in the background",{"short":234,"long":235,"hashtags":236},"Richmond schools are bringing back competitive track meets with placement ribbons in spring 2027.","The Richmond School District surveyed students, staff and families after backlash over the gender-neutral, non-competitive track meet format used in May 2026. The results: 87 per cent of students and 92 per cent of parents wanted ribbons back. Spring 2027 meets will have competitive events, separate boys' and girls' categories, and placement ribbons.",[237,238,239],"RichmondBC","RichmondSchools","SD38",{"sourceName":44},"Richmond School District will bring back placement ribbons and competitive events for elementary track meets in spring 2027, after students and parents asked.",true,"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.richmond-news.com\u002Flocal-news\u002Frichmond-bc-schools-bring-back-placement-ribbons-for-track-and-field-12973406",{"title":6,"description":7},"richmond-news:https:\u002F\u002Fwww.richmond-news.com\u002Flocal-news\u002Frichmond-bc-schools-bring-back-placement-ribbons-for-track-and-field-12973406",[247,249],{"label":248,"url":243},"Richmond News · Richmond schools bring back placement ribbons for track and field, November 4, 2026",{"label":250,"url":251},"Richmond School District · website notice on track and field format update","https:\u002F\u002Fsd38.bc.ca","news\u002Frichmond-schools-track-field-ribbons-2026-11-05","announcement",[13,14,15],"richmond-school-district-track-field-november-2026\u002Fcommunity","Q01J6z1MFikEWVPCcz2wlOS5UrtKnBmN3AtUNfLXPzE",[258,271,279,287,296,303,312],{"slug":199,"name":153,"office":259,"party":260,"portrait":262,"colour":270,"palette":16},"School Trustee",{"name":261},"Advance Richmond",{"src":263,"smallSrc":264,"width":265,"height":266,"alt":267,"credit":261,"sourceUrl":268,"position":269},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Frod-belleza-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Frod-belleza-320.webp",640,800,"Rod Belleza, from Advance Richmond.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.advancerichmond.com\u002Fteam\u002Frod-belleza\u002F","50% 30%","sand",{"slug":200,"name":158,"office":259,"party":272,"portrait":273,"colour":278,"palette":16},{"name":261},{"src":274,"smallSrc":275,"width":265,"height":266,"alt":276,"credit":261,"sourceUrl":277,"position":269},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fdean-billings-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fdean-billings-320.webp","Dean Billings, from Advance Richmond.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.advancerichmond.com\u002Fteam\u002Fdean-billings\u002F","rose",{"slug":201,"name":163,"office":259,"party":280,"portrait":281,"colour":286,"palette":16},{"name":261},{"src":282,"smallSrc":283,"width":265,"height":266,"alt":284,"credit":261,"sourceUrl":285,"position":269},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fdanny-chang-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fdanny-chang-320.webp","Danny Chang, from Advance Richmond.","https:\u002F\u002Fwww.advancerichmond.com\u002Fteam\u002Fdanny-chang\u002F","teal",{"slug":202,"name":168,"office":259,"party":288,"portrait":290,"colour":295,"palette":16},{"name":289},"Richmond Education Party",{"src":291,"smallSrc":292,"width":265,"height":266,"alt":293,"credit":289,"sourceUrl":294,"position":269},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fken-hamaguchi-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fken-hamaguchi-320.webp","Ken Hamaguchi, from Richmond Education Party.","https:\u002F\u002Frichmondeducationparty.ca\u002Fcandidates\u002Fken-hamaguchi","blue",{"slug":203,"name":172,"office":259,"party":297,"portrait":298,"colour":278,"palette":16},{"name":289},{"src":299,"smallSrc":300,"width":265,"height":266,"alt":301,"credit":289,"sourceUrl":302,"position":269},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fheather-larson-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fheather-larson-320.webp","Heather Larson, from Richmond Education Party.","https:\u002F\u002Frichmondeducationparty.ca\u002Fcandidates\u002Fheather-larson",{"slug":204,"name":177,"office":259,"party":304,"portrait":306,"colour":295,"palette":16},{"name":305},"Common Sense",{"src":307,"smallSrc":308,"width":265,"height":266,"alt":309,"credit":310,"sourceUrl":311,"position":269},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Falice-wong-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Falice-wong-320.webp","Alice Wong, from Common Sense Alliance.","Common Sense Alliance","https:\u002F\u002Frichmondcommonsense.ca\u002Four-candidates",{"slug":205,"name":182,"office":259,"party":16,"portrait":313,"colour":278,"palette":16},{"src":314,"smallSrc":315,"width":265,"height":266,"alt":316,"credit":317,"sourceUrl":318,"position":269},"\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fdonna-sargent-640.webp","\u002Fimages\u002Fcandidates\u002Fdonna-sargent-320.webp","Donna Sargent, from Donna Sargent campaign.","Donna Sargent campaign","https:\u002F\u002Fvotesargent2026.ca\u002F",1793893378617]