They might not make any headlines for their behind-the-scenes contributions to sport, but without their volunteer efforts as coaches, managers, referees and organizers, our sporting community would no doubt be at a loss.
In recognition of the work of those local people behind the scenes, officials from Sport BC were in Prince George on Monday to pay tribute to those individuals at the 2015 Canada Winter Games Community Sport Heroes awards banquet.
Among the 11 community sport award-winners were: Dan Drezet, volleyball; Calvin Dyck, cross-country skiing; Louise Holmes, basketball; Todd Patterson, baseball; Randy Potskin, softball; and Craig Somerville, triathlon.
Five on the awards list are also serving on the Canada Winter Games committee as representatives of their respective sports, including: Tony Cable, lacrosse (CWG sport chair for the 2015 Games); Jim Burbee, nordic sports (CWG sport leader, cross-country skiing); Renee Hampole, skating (CWG sport leader, figure skating; Ann Holmes, various sports (CWG chair, ceremonies committee); and Michael Wells, alpine skiing (CWG sport leader, alpine skiing).
"Prince George is blessed to have such an exemplary pool of talent for sport," says Stuart Ballantyne, CEO of the 2015 Canada Winter Games. "To have five of these exceptional volunteers on board, helping lead the 2015 Games in preparation for the largest multi-sport competition our city and region have ever hosted is a huge coup for us. Their level of experience, community connections and expertise in their individual sports is invaluable."
