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October 18 marked the last stop for the Community Sport Hero Awards presented by Encana for the 2011 year. Founded in 2001, the program has now been running for ten years. The prestigious awards recognize British Columbian coaches, officials, mentors and administrators who have dedicated themselves to grow and develop amateur sport at the community level. These volunteers have contributed to at least 8 years to sport volunteerism.
A special thanks goes to the 31 Provincial Sport Organizations who took the time to nominate. In the 2011 year, the Community Sport Hero® Awards presented by Encana honoured 77 volunteers in 12 communities.
Throughout the year, Sport BCand the Community Sport Hero Awards presented by Encana visited the communities of Victoria, Prince George, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, Cranbrook, Prince Rupert, Salmon Arm, Nelson, Kitimat, Qualicum/Parksville, Summerland, and Dawson Creek.
To date, the program has recognized 447 sport volunteers in 39 different communities. Stay tuned for nomination dates in the 2012 year. We might be coming to your community!
During Coaches Week (September 17 to 24), Special Olympics BC announced the two recipients for the 2011 SOBC Coaching Awards (the Grassroots Coach and Howard Carter awards). These volunteer coaches put in their time and energy to fuel Special Olympics programs in 55 communities throughout the province. Their drive, dedication, generosity and support have been a great contribution to power these programs.
Congratulations to both the winners and nominees for this amazing recognition. Donna Bilous of SOBC – Abbotsford and Zack Klein of SOBC – North Shore are the recipients for the 2011 SOBC Coaching Awards.
http://www.specialolympics.bc.ca/news/2011/09/20/three-cheers-sobc-coaches-bc-coaches-week
September 16, 2011
On Wednesday, September 14, Sport BC honoured four sport leaders from the District of Kitimat with the Community Sport Hero Awards presented by Encana. These individuals are volunteers who have contributed eight or more years to sport. Yesterday, Don Markwart (Softball), Mark Roberge (Hockey), Clint Marshall (Baseball) and Rena Hummel (Skating) were all recognized for their long-time contribution as sport volunteers.
Congratulations to the following recipients!
Don Markwart – Softball
The success of Softball events in the Kitimat area of the province have been due to Don’s availability, knowledge and passion for the sport. Don coaches, umpires, organizes and oversees everything that goes on regarding Softball in the area. Registration has grown significantly in the Kitimat region due to Don’s determination to keep softball alive. He has coached teams of all ages and has participated in Provincial championships and BC Summer Games.
Mark Roberge – Hockey
Mark is a huge supporter of Female Hockey. He has volunteered for over 10 years – putting in countless hours of encouraging and mentoring athletes. He is involved in the Female High Performance Program with BC Hockey and has been instrumental in the running of the U-12/14/16/ and 18 camps. Mark has kept many teenage girls in the Northwest interested in competing at a high level of hockey and helping them to excel in the sport. He has taught them strong leadership and life skills, proper fitness, and nutrition practices which has helped them become the amazing young women they are.
Clint Marshall – Baseball
“I’ve known Clint for 30 years and coached with him for over 10 years, he is a guy who is full of committed and passion” says nominator, Darryl Craft.
Clint has spent many hours coaching kids and teaching them how to have fun playing ball (even in winter in the gyms). We all know how important it is to keep kids healthy but what is even more important is the kids have a great time which keeps them coming back. Fastball would not even be in existence in Kitimat if not for Clint; it had been cancelled for years until he and his wife got it going all on their own. He has put Kitimat on the map with his coaching which lead to all of the championships over the years. Kitimat was also honoured to name a ball field after Clint as a thank you for all his efforts.
Rena Hummel – Skating
Rena has been a long time volunteer announcer as well as various other jobs in the Snow Valley Skating Club for over 35 years. Even after all of her kids were out of the sport she would still volunteer her time for events to do announcing or whatever they needed a hand in. Once her grandchildren joined the club she became even more involved but now they have moved on to hockey and she is STILL selflessly volunteering without the blink of an eye. Rena even takes time off of work and schedules vacation around the time that the club needs her to do announcing. She is an amazing volunteer and the club would be lost without her. Rena has a heart of gold and does not expect anything for her service so this is a perfect way to say thank you.
2nd annual Corporate Kids Challenge will help close to 2,700 kids play organized sports
NEWS RELEASE
VANCOUVER, BC (September 12, 2011) – On Saturday, September 10, 2011, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (NYSE and TSX: RBA) welcomed hundreds of people to the 2nd annual Corporate Kids Challenge at its Burnaby, BC headquarters, raising over CA$530,000 for KidSport BC™. During the event Ida Chong, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, presented a cheque on behalf on the Province of British Columbia for CA$400,000.
“The government of British Columbia believes in the power of sport and KidSport BC helps remove the financial barrier so kids can participate,” said Minister Chong. “Sports teach kids team work and self esteem.”
BC Olympic athletes and 22 corporate teams from the Greater Vancouver area competed in games and sports activities including tug of war, an egg and spoon race and an obstacle course. WPCG was the winning corporate team of this year’s challenge. The day ended with a live auction featuring an Olympic torch and other unique items. Event information can be found at www.rbauction.com/kidschallenge.
“This is the biggest fundraiser of any KidSport™ chapter in Canada,” said Pete Quevillon, Director, KidSport BC™. “The money raised at this event will help close to 2,700 kids participate in a season of sport.”
Ritchie Bros. COO Bob Armstrong kicked off the event by expressing the company’s commitment to helping create a foundation for community sport participation.
“At Ritchie Bros. we try to give back by supporting groups that are focused on amateur athletics and youth leadership development,” said Mr. Armstrong. “KidSport is all about making sure there are no kids left on the sidelines and that every child gets the chance to play an organized sport.”
Ritchie Bros. also conducted a live charity auction featuring sports experiences, trips and other unique events donated by local companies and business people. The auction took place on-site during the event, and was also available to the public through Ritchie Bros.’ real-time online bidding service at www.rbauction.com. Highlights included a 3-day pacific salmon fishing trip at Warm Springs Resort on Stuart Island, B.C. that was donated by Ritchie Bros. co-founder Dave Ritchie.
Ritchie Bros. plans to hold the 3rd annual Corporate Kids Challenge in late summer of 2012.
“I was here last year and it’s great to be a part of it again,” said Olympian Brian Johns. “It’s such a great cause and I look forward to being a part of it indefinitely.”
About KidSport™
KidSport™ is a community-based sports funding program that provides grants for financially disadvantaged children ages 6 to 18 to participate in amateur sport and learn valuable life lessons and skills. The organization operates 175 chapters across Canada, 39 of which are based British Columbia. For more information about KidSport™ and how you can help in your community, please visit www.kidsport.ca.
About Ritchie Bros.
Established in 1958, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (NYSE and TSX: RBA) is the world’s largest industrial auctioneer, selling more equipment to on-site and online bidders than any other company in the world. Ritchie Bros. offers services that enable the world’s builders to easily and confidently exchange equipment. The Company conducts hundreds of unreserved public auctions each year, selling a broad range of used and unused equipment, trucks and other assets utilized in the construction, transportation, agricultural, material handling, mining, forestry, petroleum and marine industries. Ritchie Bros. has over 110 locations in more than 25 countries, including 43 auction sites worldwide. The Company maintains a web site at www.rbauction.com and sponsors an equipment wiki at www.RitchieWiki.com.
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For more information contact:
Vicki Cunningham, Supervisor, Corporate Communications, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
Phone: +1.778.331.5464 or email vcunningham@rbauction.com
Members of the public and the media can follow Ritchie Bros. on Twitter @RitchieBros.
Erin van der Lee
Corporate Communications Coordinator
T: +1.778.331.5345
E: evanderlee@rbauction.com
www.rbauction.com
9500 Glenlyon Parkway
Burnaby, BC V5J 0C6
Olympic athletes and local companies help Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers raise more than CA$530,000 for KidSport BC
For Immediate Release
August 2, 2011
PacificSport Athlete Academy
As the world of competitive sport evolves so do the demands placed on student-athletes. For the past ten years, PacificSport Okanagan has been helping athletes navigate through the amateur sport world from the regional development level to national team success. The non-profit organization is pleased to announce its latest program, a multi-sport academy – the PacificSport Athlete Academy.
The Kelowna-based PacificSport Athlete Academy exposes students to a high performance lifestyle throughout the academic school year. Athletes benefit from a flexible timetable that supports their competitive training schedule while allowing them to attend their public school of choice.
Through sport-specific technical training, physiological testing, and a multi-sport athlete development program (IGNITE), participants are able to improve their physical literacy in pursuit of their athletic aspirations.
The IGNITE program focuses on the fundamentals of athleticism, rooted in track and field, gymnastics and strength and conditioning, that are often neglected in the early stages of development. IGNITE participants benefit from foundational training and a variety of sport readiness sessions including: mental training, injury prevention, nutrition and personal goal setting.
The PacificSport Athlete Academy provides individualized plans for participants to meet the demands of both sport and education. In addition to providing transportation to school and training, a certified teacher is on staff to assist participants with their schoolwork as required. Sessions are scheduled strategically to allow participants the flexibility to train, study, compete, rest and recover.
PacificSport Athlete Academy Director Kim Whelpton explains, “The PacificSport Athlete Academy is changing the way secondary students pursue their athletic careers without compromising their academic pursuits.”
Applications are now being accepted for the September 2011 class. The application deadline is August 19th, 2011. For more information call 250.469.8461 or visit PacificSport.com
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Kim Whelpton, Athlete Academy Director
PacificSport Okanagan
T: 250.469.8461
E: kwhelpton@pacificsport.com
Doug Nicholas, General Manager
PacificSport Okanagan
T: 250.469.8854
E: dnicholas@pacificsport.com
It’s the August long weekend and the weather has finally decided to bring a bit more sunshine our way.
Being inside for too long definitely makes everyone a bit antsy, especially when cooped up in an office. But summer is thankfully high time for a good sporting event.
A good game of soccer or baseball combined with sunshine is just about the perfect recipe for a good time with friends. Maybe you fought against that signature tough team this season and are celebrating with some cool beverages in the park. Don’t they just taste better when you’re outside? (Yes!)
Now, we’ve all been in this situation before. Fast forward a couple hours later or maybe even a couple drinks later before it’s finally time to head home.
It may be hard to believe, but on average 126 people a year die in motor vehicle crashes involving impaired driving. Most impaired-related crashes (60 per cent) also occur on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
So let’s keep it simple folks: choose a designated driver this summer. Plan ahead of time. Another tip? ICBC let us know that the police are out in full force this July and August to conduct road checks. It pays to stay safe on and off the playing field, am I right?
Good luck to all athletes out there participating in tournaments, championships and everyday pick-up games!
ICBC ‘s Tips for Staying Safe this Summer:
- Choose a designated driver.
- Refuse to ride with drivers who may be impaired—ask to be let out of the car if necessary.
- Set an example—your smart driving decisions can have a significant influence on others.
- Take a stand and don’t let people drive if they have been drinking alcohol.
- If you see an impaired driver, call 911 and report it to your local police.
- Talk about the issue with your family and friends.
ICBC is a great resource for more information on their summer campaign. Check it out here.
Continuing our efforts to partner with likeminded organizations, Sport BC has recently become a member of the Canadian Sport Tourism Alliance (CSTA). The CSTA focuses on growing the sport tourism industry to Canada by leveraging its expertise and leadership and promoting the development of partnerships between events rights holders and host cities.
As a result of Sport BC’s relationship with the CSTA, the following tools and services are also available to our members, the BC Provincial Sport Organizations:
- STEAM (Sport Tourism Economic Assessment Model) and STEAM PRO – the world’s first web-based economic assessment tools specifically designed for predicting and measuring the economic impact of a sport event on a community. STEAM has become the standard for measuring economic impact within the sport tourism / sport event hosting industry across Canada.
- Business Plan Template – The Business Plan Template is a leading edge tool for bidding or organizing committees that seek to set out a comprehensive business plan with a view to host a sport event at the local, provincial, national or international level. Comprised of a Microsoft word file and a budget template in Microsoft Access format, the template
supplies all the necessary information and work tools to complete a business plan and budget for sport events of any size. - Sport Events Directory – this tool contains profiles on a variety of national and international sport events that are available for bid.
- Sport Event Bid Template – The template provides a comprehensive list of required elements to build a winning bid and also contains examples of best practice bid presentations. This resource details all of the key elements to develop a winning bid for sport events of any size.
- Sport Event Marketing Template – This product is designed to help sport organizations, bid committees and organising committees establish how nongovernmental revenues can be raised and how events should be promoted. It also outlines all the elements which need to be considered to host a successful event, including communications, television, sponsorships, ticketing, merchandising and fundraising. The Sport Event Marketing Template is designed to complement the CSTA Business Plan template already available to CSTA members.
- Bid Evaluation Model – The Bid Evaluation Model (BEM) is designed to function as a decision support tool, assisting organizations/communities to determine whether to bid to host a particular sport event. The BEM identifies relevant criteria for considering various factors such as number of participants, spectators and media; length of competition; relative suitability of the event for a particular community; capacity of community to host particular event, projected economic impact and other factors.
- RFP Template for Sport Events – This template (in development) is designed to provide NSOs and PSOs with a template to maximize the market value of their events and to increase the number of competing bids for those events, to the benefit of the rights holder.
In addition, CSTA has offered Sport BC members a complimentary registration to Sport Events Congress 2012 (subject to the early bird registration deadline in mid-February and participation in the Sport Events Exchange).
Membership in the CSTA also entitles PSOs access to training and education sessions through regular web-conferences, access to the CSTA’s photo library and access to press releases and news Alerts to stay on top of developments within the industry.
Every $1 donation from June 20 – July 3 will support sport registration fees for children from 39 BC communities
RICHMOND (Monday, June 20)– With summer just around the corner, KidSport and Triple O’s have teamed up to help BC kids get in the game.
Following a successful partnership in 2010 that raised $25,000 for KidSport BC, Triple O’s will launch a two week promotion for the same cause from June 20-July 3. The public will be able to contribute to their local KidSport chapter when ordering off the Triple O’s menu in any of the 30 participating locations. Funds raised during the two-week period will help kids with financial barriers experience the benefits of sport participation by covering the registration fees for a sport season of their choice.
“Triple O’s is a community staple in BC,” said KidSport BC Director, Pete Quevillon. “With their support, KidSport is better equipped to serve kids in communities across the province who are inspired to be active and get involved in organized sport this summer.”
“Triple O’s is thrilled to be in partnership with KidSport,” said White Spot Hospitality President Warren Erhart. “We feel that every child should be able to experience the benefits that playing a sport can give them and we look forward to contributing to such a worthy organization.”
Since its inception, KidSport has enabled 250,000 children to play sport across the country. Established by Sport BC in 1993, KidSport is now present in 39 communities across British Columbia and over 175 communities across Canada. With assistance from partners like Triple O’s, KidSport BC continues to expand its reach to ensure all children across the province have the opportunity to experience the power of sport.
Tweet to give
In addition to donating in-store, guests can help raise money for KidSport by visiting Triple O’s TWITTER. From June 20 to July 3, for every re-tweet of the promotional details, Triple O’s will donate an extra $1 to KidSport.
About KidSport:
KidSport is a community-based sports funding program that provides grants for financially disadvantaged children ages 6 to 18 to participate in amateur sport and learn valuable life lessons and skills. For more information about KidSport and how you can help in your community, please visit www.kidsport.ca.
About Triple O’s:
Vancouver-based Triple O’s restaurants, a division of White Spot Limited., now has over 50 quick service locations throughout B.C., Alberta and Asia. Triple O’s can be found in Chevron gas stations, select BC Ferries, Science World, Rogers Arena, the PNE, SFU and Douglas College among other free standing locations. Triple O’s locations boast a subtly retro décor and feature premium burgers, fresh chipped French fries and classic hand-scooped milkshakes served to meet the speed of today’s busy lifestyle. www.tripleos.com.
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For more information, please contact:
Jessica Doherty
Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
Sport BC
E: jessica.doherty@sportbc.com
T: 604.333.3422
August marks the month of the much anticipated 2011 Western Canada Summer Games. Team BC not only gears up to represent the province, but they use their presence to take on an extraordinary legacy project for children.
Team BC, in partnership with Literacy in Kamloops (LinK), will launch the “Bright Red Bookshelf“ project in Kamloops. This positive initiative will see to it that custom built red bookshelves across Kamloops will be filled to the brim with gently used children’s books. Kids have the great option of either enjoying these books on site or take home with them for free.
Books for ages 12 and under will be given from Team BC athletes, coaches, managers, parents, partners and MLAs to begin with.
They will be delivered to LinK in order to be distributed to all bookshelf locations in Kamloops (Food Banks, homeless shelters, inner city schools, medical walk-in clinics, etc.).
Team BC’s ability to recognize this need for children is an encouraging demonstration of their social responsibility and goodwill to the communities of British Columbia as they represent their province.
Do you want to help out too? Anybody is welcome to donate to this this excellent cause! In exchange for a donation, a Team BC sun pin will be provided to the donor.
Help in the effort and help those in your community! Thanks Team BC for starting this project!
As we near the end of this year’s National Volunteer Week, we would like to thank everyone from coast to coast for their efforts to recognize volunteers in their own communities.
We look forward to continuing the Community Sport Hero Awards and honoring the individuals who have allowed athletes and communities to grow and shape sport in British Columbia. Join us in Cranbrook on May 3, 2011 as the awards honor six dedicated sport leaders.
Once again, here are all the questions from the National Volunteer Week contest draw. If you would like to enter in the draw or simply share your answers, Tweet, Facebook, or leave your comments on this blog.
Volunteer Question #1
What percent of Canada’s voluntary sector does sport and recreation make up?
Volunteer Question #2
How has a sport volunteer affected your life?
Volunteer Question #3
As a sport volunteer, what are the most important attributes of a volunteer leader?
Volunteer Question #4
How do you like to be recognized as a sport volunteer?
Community Sport Hero – Donald Hutchinson – Coquitlam 2011
Being the third stop for the Community Sport Hero Awards in 2011, Coquitlam came together to recognize coaches, officials, mentors and administrators who dedicated themselves to grow and develop amateur sport in their city. As we acknowledge our last sport volunteer during National Volunteer Week, we would like to thank all the Community Sport Heroes and those who made a difference in our communities across the province…
Don has played an integral role in the development of various physical activity and sporting organizations in Coquitlam and Canada. In his own community Don was a leader of the Middle School PE Specialists Association for 7 years, Sport Stack Ambassador for BC and as a SportFiy specialist and consultant for schools in his district. He also held positions with the Coquitlam Middle School Athletics Association as a coach, sport coordinator, executive member, president and past president from 1998-2007. Further to this, Don is now the Coquitlam School district’s rep for the Port Coquitlam Sport Alliance, who main goal is to improve the overall participation in sport. Through his involvement in the school system, Don is a Regional Trainer of Action Schools! BC and a proud advocate of the Premier Sport Awards Program. He regularly organizes and delivers workshops for teachers and student teachers in his school district and throughout the province and nation pertaining to the implementation of Physical Education, activity, student leadership and healthy eating! Don was the recipient of the 2005 Provincial and National PE teacher of the Year Award, Prime Ministers Award for Teaching Excellence in 2006, BC Ministry of Education Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Education in 2006 and 2007!
Read about the Community Sport Hero Awards
Volunteer Question #4
How do you like to be recognized as a sport volunteer?
Community Sport Hero – Ed Ashmore, Victoria 2011
January 2011 marked the first time Sport BC’s Community Sport Hero Awards traveled to Victoria since 2005. The ceremony honored ten dedicated sport leaders including one of our most memorable…
Ed became involved in wrestling in 1964. His dedication to wrestling led Victoria to become a powerhouse in the late 1960′s and into the 70′s. Some of Canada’s best wrestlers had their start in the wrestling room at the Victoria Y. Ed has coached Canadian Wrestlers at the 1969 & 1970 World Juniors and the 1971 & 72 World Schoolboys. As a coach Ed is devoted to the sport and is always ready to spread the word of the values of wrestling for youth. After retirement from teaching Ed volunteered to help at any school that express an interest in the sport. He provided his expertise for two-week periods and if interest was developed, he returned to coach after school. Ed officiated in the late 1960′s-early 70′s at all national championships and represented Canada as a FILA wrestling official in Mexico City and Santa Domingo. Ed rose to the highest level that an official could achieve at that time. Ed chaired the organizing committee for the BC High School Wrestling Championships in 1969 and 1994, the 1997 Indigenous Games and the 2000 BC Summer Games. He was also the assistant Technical Director for the 1993 Commonwealth Wrestling Championships and the 1994 Commonwealth Games. Ed has been an active volunteer for almost 50 years and is still going strong.
Read about the Community Sport Hero Awards
Community Sport Hero –Dee Neukomm, Prince George 2011
This year, Sport BC’s Community Sport Hero Awards made its first trip out to Prince George to acknowledge individuals who have made a difference to sport within their community. Once again we would like to honor one of our proud recipients who gave more than her time and energy to her community…
As of January 2011, Dee has volunteered for Special Olympics BC for 25 years!! Dee is the Head Coach of the rhythmic gymnastics in Prince George but for Special Olympics BC she is our “go to expert” for this sport. She is instrumental in our BC athletes successes and Dee has been apart of our National teams on numerous occasions as well as coaching Team Canada at the worlds. New communities wishing to start Rhythmic gymnastics are all given Dee’s name as the best resource we have and she unfailingly supports not only new athletes but also new coaches. She is that volunteer that is always around to give a helping hand whether it is fund raising or running an event. She supports new initiatives and embraces change with a smile and big heart. We needed a new facilitator for youth programs and Dee answered the call…she is the energizer bunny who juts keeps giving!
Read about the Community Sport Hero Awards
Volunteer Question #3
As a sport volunteer, what are the most important attributes of a volunteer leader?
Community Sport Hero – Bruce Johnson, Penticton 2010
In October 2010, Sport BC’s Community Sport Hero Awards, presented by Encana traveled to Penticton to recognize sport volunteers who give their time to build sport in the community. Let’s take a look back at one of the memorable volunteers recognized at that ceremony…
Bruce’s personal mission is “to put back” as much as possible into the province. A former teacher, school administrator and long time coach, Bruce has influenced thousands of children through his unique style of humor, dedication and optimism.His numerous volunteer commitments include national and provincial posts with the Canadian Cancer Society and President of the Okanagan Sunshine Fund. He was the Director of Sport when the BC Summer Games were in Penticton in 1995 and has served on the BC Games Society Board since 2003. His various leadership roles led to Bruce receiving the Governor General’s Medal for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Bruce believes in sport and physical activity and maintains an active life filled with skiing and golf.
Read about the Community Sport Hero Awards
Volunteer Question #2
How has a sport volunteer affected your life?
Community Sport Hero – Grant Spelsberg, Fort St. John 2009
Action Schools! BC and Premier’s Sport Awards Program (p.s.a.p) Grant Spelsberg has been an elementary school teacher in Fort St. John for 34 years. He retired in November 2009 and left behind an incredible legacy of over three decades of amazing dedication to physical activity, PE and extra-curricular sport in the district.
Grant has committed endless hours to coaching and officiating school sports and has been involved in soccer, volleyball, basketball, field hockey, softball, badminton, track and field, and cross country Grantrunning. A firm believer in the benefits of daily physical activity, Grant is also an Action Schools! Regional Trainer and engages children during the school day through school based initiatives like Action Schools! BC and the Premier’s Sport Awards Program.
Grant has been a highly involved community sport volunteer since he and his wife moved to Fort St. John in 1975. He was a founder of various sport organizations in the area, and has served them over the years as a member of the executive committee, official, referee, coach, event organizer, and instructor. These include the Minor League Soccer Association, the Basketball Referees’ Association, the Sub Zero Track and Field Club, Sub Zero Running Club, and the local orienteering club.
Other organizations have benefited from Grant’s passion for sport and physical activity. He currently holds the position of “Great Spirit” on the Sub Zero Running Club’s executive committee, responsible for organizing and hosting races and the club’s bi-weekly runs. He has also coached hockey, served as a master bowling instructor, managed an adults’ hardball team, and is a level C orienteering official and certified technical coach in basketball, volleyball, track and field, distance running, trampoline, tennis, and badminton.
Grant has also been highly involved in the BC Summer Games and Northern BC Winter Games. At the Summer Games, he has coached basketball twice, and has competed as an athlete in orienteering and cycling. He served as the Regional Director of the Northern BC Winter Games from 1989-1994 and was closely involved with the organization of the event when it was hosted in Fort St John in 1994, 2000 and 2007.
Not only an advocate of physical activity, Grant is an avid participant and enjoys running, orienteering, cycling, and golf. As a tireless volunteer, supporter, and role model of physical activity in the Fort St John area, and for his countless contributions to the lives of many, Grant Spelsberg is a Community Sport Hero.
Read about the Community Sport Hero Awards
Volunteer Question #1
What percent of Canada’s voluntary sector does sport and recreation make up?
Our nation’s voluntary sector is the heartbeat of our ever-changing country. With over 12.5 million volunteers dedicating their time across Canada ever year, they are leading positive change in our communities at home and around the world.
In sport and recreation, organizations rely on volunteers everyday as coaches, officials, referees, and administrators to support amateur sport daily. They make up the largest number of volunteers in Canada and are essential to sport across the province.
Once again, it is time to recognize these magnificent volunteers in our community during National Volunteer Week. This week pays tribute to the millions of Canadians who make a difference by donating their time and energy. From April 10 to 16 Sport BC will be acknowledging its Community Sport Heroes over the years who have significantly impacted sport in their community. Stay tuned for our heroes’ stories and volunteer trivia where we will be posting fun questions daily on Facebook and Twitter. Trivia prizes will be awarded so join us as we take part in Canada’s largest celebration of volunteers, volunteerism, and civic participation!
National Volunteer Week Contest Draw Details
- $20 iTunes gift card will be given out each day till April 15th
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Winners will be drawn
- Must be a BC resident to win prize
Question can be found at the end of each Community Sport Hero Blog post
- Reply to today’s question
Facebook- Comment with your answer on our Facebook wall
Blog - Comment on today’s Blog post
At Sport BC’s 2009 Annual Athlete of the Year Awards, Christopher Vanjoff was presented with the Harry Jerome Comeback award for his courageous recovery back in 2007.
In that year, Fraser Valley Water Polo’s star player, Christopher Vanjoff suffered an unfortunate mountain biking accident that sheared off his left elbow. At the time of the accident, Christopher was ranked in the top 30 U18 water polo players in Canada and preparing to compete at major international events in the 2007-2008 season. Three weeks after the reconstructive surgery, Christopher was back training with his teammates. His challenge was not only to regain and retain the tremendous fitness that elite level water polo players require – the ‘lefty’ had to learn how to pass and shoot right-handed! In 2008, Christopher made a miraculous recovery to win a gold medal at the U18 Club Nationals and return to his elite level of play.
Today, Chris is playing for the California Baptists where the men’s water polo team had an unprecedented 32 wins and finished the year ranked No. 17 in the nation. In addition to their outstanding season, the team was also selected by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches’ (ACWPC) as the All-Academic team in 2010. Chris Vanjoff and Aaron Seiger led the team, earning outstanding honours (3.71-4.00 GPA), exemplifying the definition of student-athlete. Alongside NCAA’s top scorer, Aaron Steiger, Chris tallied 15 goals and 12 assists in his sophomore campaign in 2010. Chris’ journey represents the spirit of the Harry Jerome Comeback Award and as his story continues, he will inspire many to overcome their challenges.
- Read More about the Athlete of the Year Awards
- Athlete of the Year Awards Recipient History
Image Source: California Baptist University a Christian College
Winning a combined total of seven medals for Canada, North Vancouver’s Lauren Woolstencroft and Karolina Wisniewska dominated the slopes in women’s para-alpine events last winter. March 15, 2011 celebrates the medal victories of two of the greatest para-alpine skiers as part of a program to recognize British Columbia’s medal-winning athletes.
A year ago, these two skiers picked up gold and bronze during a wet and windy Slalom event in Whistler. Woolstencroft won in the ladies standing division, crossing the finish line with a two-run combined time of one minute 51.97 seconds, while teammate Karolina Wisniewska placed third. Wisniewska came extremely close to second place just .49s shy of the silver medalist, Andrea Rothfuss.
Woolstencroft would carry on her gold medal glory to finish the Paralympic games with five gold medals in the Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill, Super-G, and Super Combined. Her teammate, Wisniewska ended with a pair of Bronze medals in the Slalom and Super Combined to bring her career Paralympic medal total to eight. For her outstanding achievements, Sport BC also honoured Woolstencroft at the 45th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards where she took home the “Best of BC” and the “Athlete with a Disability” award. Both these exceptional athletes have made significant long-term contributions to Canadian sports and helped influence people with a disability to find their way to the slopes. Join us as we share their story and celebrate their remarkable achievements on this day of recognition.
Read more about the positive influence of BC Paralympic athletes on the amateur sport community
A couple weeks ago, Team BC traveled to Halifax to compete at the 2011 Canada Winter Games.
This stage was host to the next generation of athletes who came to represent their provincial pride and compete with the nation’s best. Team BC finished in third place with a total of 88 medals, bettering their performance in Whitehorse four years ago by 12 medals. Seizing gold in Men’s Hockey and Women’s Curling, Team BC posted one of its best results ever at a Canada Winter Games. These videos take a look back at some extraordinary moments that capture the excitement and importance of amateur sport in BC and across Canada.
Team BC getting ready for the opening ceremonies:
Fantastic video of the 2011 Canada Winter Games:
Last winter, Cypress Mountain set the stage for some of the most inspiring and memorable Canadian victories. On day twelve of the Olympic Games, a week after Maelle Ricker
won the gold, Ashleigh McIvor was getting set to race in the women’s ski-cross final. Right off the start, she made no mistakes and stayed ahead of the pack the whole way down the course under heavy snowfall. The 26-year-old native from Whistler crossed the finish line well ahead of international ski-cross contenders Hedda Berntsen, of Norway and Marion Josserand, of France, to become the sixth gold medalist at the 2010 Olympic Games.
As she stepped on the podium, Ashleigh raised her arms in the air as the red and white crowd erupted with Canadian pride. “This is the best moment of my entire life,” Ashleigh told CTV. I’ve worked so hard to get here and it’s so awesome to be able to represent my hometown, my home province, my home country so well on the world stage.”
February 23rd marks the anniversary of this remarkable moment in Canadian sports history and is now named “Ashleigh McIvor Day” as part of a program to recognize British Columbia’s medal-winning athletes from the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Image Source: The Province
Exactly one year ago, Maëlle Ricker was atop the podium to claim the Olympic gold medal in her hometown.
The West Vancouver native finished well ahead of the other three competitors in the final heat, as the Canadian crowd roared with pride. “I’m feeling so happy. I’m pretty shaky and a little bit overwhelmed,” she told CBCSports.ca after her victory at Cypress Mountain. On that day, she became the first Canadian woman to win an Olympic gold medal at home and the second gold medalist at the 2010 Vancouver Games, after Quebec’s Alexandre Bilodeau’s amazing run in the men’s moguls.
Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Maëlle Ricker brings home the Gold in Women’s Snowboard Cross
If you’re looking for high-paced action, fancy stick handling or want to try a new sport, you should take a shot at this innovative form of hockey called Floorball.
Floorball is the fastest growing team sport on the planet and is played in over 80 countries in the world. The game is believed to have originated in Gothenburg, Sweden and is the second ranked sport in the European country. NHL superstars such as Henrik and Daniel Sedin grew up playing this fast and unique version of floor hockey. This sport is an exciting form of indoor/outdoor/anywhere hockey! It is also a limited contact sport were players wear no equipment and use a lightweight stick and ball. Although it resembles floor hockey, the differences are vast. Some unique rules and features are:
- The sticks are very responsive and ergonomically correct
- Goalie doesn’t use a stick but blocks ball with hands and body
- Balls have 26 holes in it and can travel at speeds of up to 190 kilometres an hour
- Stick-on-body contact and stick-on-stick contact not permitted
- Incidental shoulder-to-shoulder contact allowed, but no bodychecking
- No offsides or icing
Learn more about Floorball in BC
Learn more about Floorball at Wikipedia
West Van Kids Show off Floorball Skills
Floorball at a Glance
Below: click your way through thrilling Floorball matches and YouTube videos
Women’s World Floorball Championships Qualifier – USA vs. Canada – Game 1 – at Richmond Oval
World Floorball Championships 2010 – Canada vs. Denmark
World Floorball Championships 2010 Final – Finland vs. Sweden – Goal Highlights
Cool Tricks with Floorball Stick
The next two weeks are jam-packed with amateur sports tournaments, BC Championships, multi-stage NorAms, and finally Sport BC’s Community Sport Hero Awards.
February gets going with the 2011 BC Wheelchair Curling Championships held in Kimberly, BC’s curling club on February 3-6. This tournament will host some of the greatest wheelchair curlers in Canada, including the 2010 Canadian Wheelchair gold and silver medalists from BC. The tournament will make for an interesting final as the best wheelchair teams in BC compete to claim dominance in the province.
During the same week, the 2011 Haywood Western Canadian Championships will be held in West Kelowna, at the Telemark Nordic Club. The event should bring over 500 top cross country skiers and coaches from Canada, United States, and touring race teams from Norway and Australia. From February 4-6, the event will showcase the best cross country skiers, as they glide through the snow in rough Kelowna terrain.
A day after, it is up to Vernon where the 2011 BC Men’s Curling Championship will take place at the Vernon Curling Club on February 7-13. Kelowna’s Jeff Richards will be looking to defend his 2010 BC Championship against a solid nine teams in the playoff pool.
Last but not least, Sport BC kicks off the week with The Community Sport Hero Awards in Prince George on February 8th. This event honours the outstanding coaches, officials, mentors and administrators who have developed sport at a community level and inspired many athletes to become their best! If you’re in the area, check out these events and support our amazing BC athletes and sport volunteers!
Events at a Glance
2011 BC Wheelchair Curling Championships – February 3-6
- BC wheelchair team wins 2010 Paralympic gold medal vs. Korea video
2011 Haywood Western Canadian Championships – February 4-6
- Canada cross-country skiing video
2011 BC Men’s Curling Championship – February 7-13
- BC Curling photo gallery
The Community Sport Hero Awards – February 8th
- Read more about event
With the 45th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards on everyone’s mind, it’s time to take a look back at what happened in 2010. Before you attend the event on February 24, here’s a taste of what’s in store:
Below is some clarification from BC’s Provincial Sport Branch regarding the Sport on the Move funding that was announced in December 2010.
The announced funding was distributed directly to the Provincial Sport Organizations (PSOs) to provide assistance with athlete travel for training and competition and the funds will be used at the discretion of each PSO. We encourage you to contact your Provincial Sport Organization for more information.
For further assistance with the cost of sport travel, Sport BC has arranged discount programs with accommodation, charter bus, ferry, and rental car providers. View those deals here.
With the North American Outgames on the horizon for Vancouver in July 2011, Sport BC is teaming up with the Canadian Association for Advancement of Women and Sport (CAAWS) to present a workshop entitled, Addressing Homophobia in Sport: Leading the Way for your Organization.
As part of Sport BC’s monthly professional development workshops, CAAWS’s Jennifer Birch-Jones has prepared a 3.5 hour interactive session that builds upon their discussion paper “Seeing the Invisible, Speaking about the Unspoken; Addressing Homophobia in Sport”. [PDF]
As their research states, “Homophobia – or the fear and hatred of homosexuals – is often an obstacle to participation in sport among all groups: women and men, young and old, homosexual and heterosexual”. CAAWS, an organization with a history stretching back over three decades, started a Homophobia in Sport program as a way to start the discussion and take the first step towards reducing this barrier. By providing workshops like the one scheduled for February 3 at the FIRSTAR Sport Centre, CAAWS continues to provide coaches and other sport leaders with the opportunity to really understand what homophobia in sport means, how it can hurt an organization’s athletes, coaches, officials and other participants, regardless of their sexual orientation, and the important role coaches and other sport leaders can play in making sport more accepting of sexual diversity.
This discussion is circling the professional sports world as well. This month, Mary Rogan of GQ Magazine chronicles why addressing homophobia in sport is so close to Toronto Maple Leaf’s GM Brian Burke’s heart in “Out on the Ice“. Other examples of media coverage on this topic can also be found on the CAAWS website.
The Addressing Homophobia in Sport: Leading the Way for your Organization workshop is scheduled for February 3, 2011 at the FIRSTAR Sport Centre in Richmond, BC. There is no cost to attend the workshop but all participants are asked to please register in advance with Chris Blackman, Sport BC’s Membership Services Director, at workshops@sportbc.com or 604-333-3413 by Friday, January 28, 2011. Space is limited to 20 participants.
The discussion around the benefits of sport often centres on the myriad of positive developments sport participation offers youth.
And why not? There is an insatiable appetite for stats and stories on how to raise your kid right and participation in sport is certainly one key way to ensure children develop positive character traits and healthy lifestyles.
It’s never too late, however, to experience the power of sport . Take Olga Kotelko for example, a 91-year old who won the Master Athlete of the Year Award at Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Award ceremony in March 2010. Olga began competing in athletics at age 77 and in the past year has really seen her star rise. At 90+, she has won five BC Senior Games events, four Canadian Masters Track and Field Championships, and set eleven Canadian and eight World Records. At the end of the 2009-10 season, the soft-spoken Kotelko found herself ranked first overall in the Province of BC, Canada and the World in her age group.
“Being active, competing, training, exercising, as well as choosing food sensibly, traveling, and making new friends have added to and made my life wholesome,” she said in her Master Athlete of the Year acceptance speech.
And she is not alone. Two marathoners are making headlines this week, even though neither of them completed the Harrisburg marathon in Pennsylvania. Don McNelly and Norm Frank, at ages 90 and 79 respectively, have completed a combined 1709 marathons in their lifetimes. Frank holds the distinction of completing more marathons than anyone in North America – again, at age 79, while McNelly has completed the most for anyone aged 70 and older. Despite Frank’s failing health, they continue to inspire in their drive to keep racing – just like Olga. ”I’m 90 and I feel like I’m 50, 60 tops,” McNelly says in this MSNBC article “I’m a lucky, lucky, lucky guy.”
Luck – or smarts? The Vancouver Sun’s Valerie Berenyi quotes Dr. Mark Sosnowski in her November 22 article on healthy retirees. “The key to healthy retirement years,” he tells her, “is staying active and staying off the couch.” Certainly years of keeping in top physical form have aided in McNelly’s longevity.
For those still looking for more reasons to involve your children in sport , have no fear – this article pertains to you as well. The True Sport Report [PDF] acknowledges that children who participate in sport as youth are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle for their whole lives – if they’re lucky, well into their nineties.
Related posts:
- Top 5 reasons to get involved in amateur sport
- 44th Annual Athlete of the Year Award Winners Announced
Tonight, BC will celebrate three women who have given so much to amateur sport in BC at IN HER FOOTSTEPS…CELEBRATING BC WOMEN IN SPORT.
The annual event is a joint initiative of the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, 2010 Legacies Now, ProMOTION Plus, and the BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. Launched in 2005, the program recognizes extraordinary achievements and contributions by women to sport in British Columbia.
This post is the third and final part of a Just for the Sport of It series profiling each of the three women scheduled to be recognized at this year’s ceremony.
Kathy Newman is a builder of sport in every sense of the word. She began working for BC Wheelchair Sports Association (BCWSA) as an office manager in 1981 and by 1987 she became their Executive Director. For the past 29 years, Kathy has been dedicated to removing barriers to sport participation for countless individuals with disabilities.
Kathy’s work has led to innovative initiatives such as the Bridging the Gap program designed to encourage individuals with disabilities to participate in wheelchair sports and recreational opportunities. Bridging the Gap has now expanded across Canada and is considered a best practice nationally and internationally due to Kathy’s guidance.
But Kathy’s passion for wheelchair sports transcends the BCWSA. She works with corporate and government sectors affecting policy, generating funding and creating awareness. The BC Gaming Commission agreed to alter a regulation on eligibility categories and the use of gaming proceeds related to sport organizations providing services for athletes with disabilities. As a result of Kathy’s hard work, these athletes now receive greater financial support and have access to even more opportunities.
In 2006, Kathy was named to the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity’s (CAAWS) Women of Influence list. She was co-chair of the 2009 Americas Cup International Wheelchair Basketball tournament at the Richmond Olympic Oval and also co-chaired Canada’s successful bid to host the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships (2010 WWRC), also at the Oval. The 2010 WWRC had over 12,000 spectators, over 22,000 web viewers and generated over $40,000 in ticket sales. Several records were broken for an event of this kind.
Kathy is a mentor and an innovator. She has spent a lifetime ensuring that British Columbians, and now Canadians with disabilities can benefit from sport and recreation from the grassroots to the international level.
- With contribution from ProMOTION Plus. For more details on the event, or to purchase tickets visit www.promotionplus.org.
On November 4, 2010 help celebrate three women who have given so much to amateur sport in BC at IN HER FOOTSTEPS…CELEBRATING BC WOMEN IN SPORT.
The annual event is a joint initiative of the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, 2010 Legacies Now, ProMOTION Plus, and the BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. Launched in 2005, the program recognizes extraordinary achievements and contributions by women to sport in British Columbia.
This post is Part Two of a Just for the Sport of It series profiling each of the three women scheduled to be recognized at this year’s ceremony, continuing with athlete and coach, Allison McNeill.
In response to Cheryl Chan’s series in the Province newspaper about giving BC’s children “a better start in life”, Sport BC’s Jen Schaeffers reminded readers that sport participation can go a long way:
“There is significant research outlining the value of sport and the positive impact it has on the social, behavioural and physical development of youth. Some examples:
- Sport provides youth with feelings of empowerment, a sense of responsibility to others and a positive identity, all of which reduce delinquent behaviour ( Youth Sport vs. Youth Crime, David Carmichael, 2008).
- After family, Canadians rank sport as the second most positive influence for youth ( True Sport, 2005).
- Young people who are physically active are less likely to use tobacco, alcohol or drugs ( The Health of Canada’s Youth, Health and Welfare Canada, 1992).
Sport B.C. also has several programs currently under way addressing the issues facing aboriginal communities you mentioned.
We plan to visit four communities next year with the Power of Sport Tour, aimed at involving kids at risk in sport. Last year, we visited the Namgis in Alert Bay, Lil’wat in Mount Currie, Tsleil-Waututh in North Vancouver, Heiltsuk in Bella Bella and aboriginal kids in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
The development clinics have reached over 300 children and trained 80 community coaches, and we hope to double that this year.”
Read more: http://www.theprovince.com/opinion/forget+positive+role+sports/3709677/story.html#ixzz138HFIsUU
On November 4, 2010 help celebrate three women who have given so much to amateur sport in BC at IN HER FOOTSTEPS…CELEBRATING BC WOMEN IN SPORT.
The annual event is a joint initiative of the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, 2010 Legacies Now, ProMOTION Plus, and the BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. Launched in 2005, the program recognizes extraordinary achievements and contributions by women to sport in British Columbia.
As the event approaches, Just for the Sport of It will profile each of the three women scheduled to be recognized at this year’s ceremony, starting with athlete, coach, and longtime builder of BC sport, Diane Clement.
Welcome to Sport BC’s new blog “Just for the Sport of it” where we’ll be talking about anything and everything to do with amateur sport.
Do you have something to say? We’re currently looking for guest writers for the blog to share inspiring stories, expert opinions, or how-to’s from around the world in amateur sport. Interested? Please contact Jessica.
Sport BC believes everyone is an athlete – whatever their sport, whatever their level. Our passion for sport is a passion for building strong, healthy communities by giving everyone in BC the opportunity to be the athletes they are. Whether you were involved in sport as a child but feel a bit rusty, or have never stepped foot on a field of play, there is always room for sport in your life.
1. Feel good. The health benefits of sport involvement are a no-brainer. Physical activity through sport can reduce the risks for a multitude of illnesses including heart disease and cancer. But it’s not just physical ailments that see benefit from sport. Mental health is positively affected as well – as an athlete, or even as a volunteer.
2. Think of the children. Children are constantly absorbing behaviours from those around them but your involvement in sport as a parent is one behaviour you don’t have to worry about your child picking up. Children with parents or guardians involved in sport are twice as likely to make healthy lifestyle decisions as they get older. Not a parent? Think about your niece, nephew, younger cousin or sibling and ensure our next generation is active and healthy.
3. Expand your social circle. 2.2 million Canadians volunteer in the sport sector each year, helping athletes pursue the sports they love. One reason for the involvement? The social aspect. Over 40% of volunteers rate sport as a very important means of socializing outside the immediate family and developing broader social networks.
4. Get ahead at work. Everyone deserves a break and sport is the perfect way to escape the pressures of the daily grind. Studies have shown physical activity through sport helps reduce stress and anxiety and alleviate depression, leveling out work/life balance and making participants on average more focused and motivated employees.
5. Grow your community. Nothing brings a community together quite like sport. 72% of Canadians believe that sport is a key contributor to the quality of life in a community and it’s easy to see why. Sport acts as a rallying point, bringing different backgrounds and ages together, and providing opportunities to contribute your skills and invest in your community.
