Like most organizations in 2021, ATVBC has been in transition. Most recently, ATVBC elected a new president: Chris D’Silva.
“It’s an honour to be the president of such a great organization,” D’Silva said. “I hope I can do as well as my predecessors in taking ATVBC to the next level.”
D’Silva has been a member of ATVBC for over a decade and is part of the Logan Lake ATV Club and the Thompson Valley ORV Club. He’s also been involved in many volunteer organizations such as Scouts, Rotary, historic Fort Langley and the Barbados National Trust.
As president, D’Silva provides leadership and direction to the board of directors and takes charge over the business and affairs of the organization.
ATVBC membership growth in 2021 surpassed the 5,000 member mark. — Photo courtesy Chris D’Silva
Ascending to loftier heights will be a tall order for D’Silva, due in part to ATVBC’s ever-increasing popularity. Membership growth in 2021 surpassed the 5,000 member mark.
“Over the past year, ATVBC has seen some phenomenal growth,” said D’Silva. “I would like to see this growth continue while maintaining our existing membership.”
Another of D’Silva’s priorities as president is to attract new clubs to ATVBC and work with them to make joining the group easier for their members. To that end, ATVBC has streamlined their banking so that more transactions occur electronically and clubs receive their dues faster.
Chris and Jane D’Silva enjoy escaping into the backcountry to experience majestic vistas and observe the myriad of wildlife. Adding tracks to their ATVs has afforded them the ability to ride year-round in all seasons. — Photo courtesy Chris D’Silva
As you might expect, COVID-19 has played a major role in dictating how ATVBC has grown this past year. It’s also one of the primary impediments to future growth.
“The biggest challenge has been the pandemic,” said D’Silva. “It has greatly affected many of the events we had planned, as well as making it almost impossible for us to meet face-to-face with any of our clubs.”
Because of the constraints, ATVBC has stepped up their communications.
“The ATVBC board of directors has continued to meet monthly using Zoom,” D’Silva said. “This gave us the ability to function with reasonable effectiveness despite all the restrictions that are in place. We also introduced, via Zoom, a bi-monthly Club President’s meeting. These also have been very successful and popular, and our intent is to continue them.”
Chris and Jane D’Silva love ATVing with their two granddaughters. “The look of excitement on their faces and the pleasure they have had from riding these (ATVs) has been very heartwarming and rewarding for us.” — Chris D’Silva — Photo courtesy Chris D’Silva
D’Silva initially got into ATVing because of where he and his wife Jane live: on the side of a mountain at 5,000 feet near Kamloops, B.C.
“It seemed like the only way that we would be able to enjoy where we live to the fullest,” he said. “Nothing beats the trails we have in B.C.”
The D’Silvas enjoy escaping into the backcountry to experience majestic vistas and observe the myriad of wildlife. Adding tracks to their ATVs has afforded them the ability to ride year-round in all seasons. Best of all, the D’Silvas get to ATV with their two granddaughters.
“They have been riding with us and their parents since they were babies,” D’Silva said. “Then Jane and I bought them a couple of the small Chinese ATVs for their own use. The look of excitement on their faces and the pleasure they have had from riding these has been very heartwarming and rewarding for us.”
If ATVBC was looking to elect an excellent advocate to make a difference within the organization and in the off-road community as a whole, it would appear they’ve found their man.
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