A Coquitlam sports facility user group is getting involved in local politics by supporting candidates in the upcoming civic election.
The Coquitlam Sport Centre Users Association, made up of hockey, figure skating and lacrosse organizations that operate out of the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex, has backed council candidates Craig Hodge and Randy Delmonico.
As well, the group says it has been happy with the current mayor and council.
President Chris Wilson said the group sent out questionnaires and interviewed some of the candidates before making a decision.
"All 3,000 [of our members] aren't going to do what we suggest, it's just some guidance to try to make it easy for people," he said.
Wilson said it was difficult to single out any incumbents because all were in favour of adding a vestibule to sports centre. But he said the group has been satisfied with the support of the current council.
In the future, the group would like to see a covered lacrosse box built for minor lacrosse games and so spring tryouts could be held locally instead of in Langley. The group would be happy with anything from a bubble to a fully enclosed facility, Wilson said, adding that soccer and field lacrosse would use it, too.
Wilson said this is the first time the relatively new group has endorsed candidates in an election and picked Hodge and Delmonico because of their response to a questionnaire, community involvement and experience as coaches.
