Born in Port Alberni, Jamie Lowery found his passion for soccer at age five and quickly rose through the Vancouver Island ranks, earning provincial team selections and captaining the BC “Best Ever” Men’s Team on a UK tour. At the University of Victoria, he starred for the Vikes (1979–83), earning Rookie of the Year, MVP honours and team captaincy while representing Canada in Olympic and Pan American qualifiers and the World Student Games.
After university, Jamie played for Vic West, Victoria Riptides and Nanaimo Regals before joining the Vancouver 86ers in 1986. Over six seasons and more than 100 matches, he helped the 86ers capture four consecutive Canadian Soccer League titles and a North American Championship, while earning MVP and All-Star recognition. Internationally, he represented Canada at multiple tournaments and the historic 1986 FIFA World Cup, where he faced France’s Michel Platini. His achievements continue to be celebrated in Canadian and BC Soccer Halls of Fame.
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Amateur sport has been key to Kelly’s life since he first played National Little League Baseball. His love of sport was solidified in high school and his contributions at Lansdowne Junior High garnered him the Lansdowne Service Award.
In 1992, Kelly was hired as an Event Manager at the BC Games Society. Described by his peers as innovative, Kelly lead through best practices. He is most proud of moving the BC Games from recreational to developmental for athletes and coaches. At the time in 2002, it was nation leading. Additionally, the Powering Potential Fund he jumpstarted contributes cash to host cities for the purchase of sport equipment benefitting the sport, BC Games and sport tourism.
Kelly was a co-founder of KidSport Greater Victoria and contributed to the creation of Camosun College’s Sport Management program. He has participated as a Board member for many organizations including the Pacific Institute for Sport Education and was an Ambassador for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Kelly has been acknowledged with Victoria’s Sportsperson of the Year, Sport BC’s Community Sport Hero, Rick Hansen’s Difference Maker, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, BC Community Achievement Award, Inspired Service Award from the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2021 was inducted into the Builders’ category at the BC Sports Hall of Fame. He is recognized as a great mentor, a role he continues today.
