Four-time Olympic speedskating medalist Denny Morrison is a hometown hero in northern B.C. where he grew up. He is a proud son of Fort St. John, and he has played a large role in athletic development across the north, including getting his name behind the construction of the Charles Jago Northern Sports Centre at UNBC.
He comes to Prince George on Saturday for his next endeavor, a partnership with Pacific Western Brewing to support the extraordinary athletes, coaches, officials and others who foster sports excellence in the region.
PWB has operated their Hometown Heroes program since 2002. The Prince George-based beer company devotes a portion of their profits on certain products to the sports enhancement fund, and bursaries are then distributed around B.C. to deserving recipients.
On Saturday, Prince George is the site where some of these deserving personalities will be named. One each from Smithers, Revelstoke, Vancouver and Victoria will receive $2,000 when Morrison calls out their names.
This is the second round of recipients this year, with two more ceremonies scheduled in the lead-up to the Canada Winter Games. In the first round, PWB selected Quesnel Paralympics hopeful Landon McGauley, Kelowna speed skater Nick Goplen, Port Alberni educator and coach Tom McEvay and North Vancouver javelin-throwing track star Andy White.
Prince George has yet to have a recipient this year. PWB officials urged those involved in Prince George sports and athletics to nominate people from the area who fit their description of a Hometown Hero.
According to a statement from the brewing company, "the process is open to any B.C. resident currently engaged in sports as an athlete or coach, or otherwise excelling in a community mentoring activity. Applicants must be at least 19 years old. Candidates will demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship; proven interest, ability and passion in the pursuit of their sport; a dedication to their learning with a strong track record of academic success; and, a well- rounded lifestyle including community involvement."
Application forms are available online at www.pwbrewing.com.
The celebrations Saturday start at 1 p.m. with the bursary recipients announced at 3 p.m.
