Sport BC honours NFL punter Mitch Berger with Best of BC award
Two-time Pro Bowler recognized for Super Bowl win and athletic achievements throughout 15 year professional career
For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Richmond, BC – The Sport BC “Best of BC” award recognizes a professional athlete whose passion, excellence and contribution to their sport speaks for itself, and such can be said of this year’s recipient Mitch Berger.
The first player from the NFL to receive this award, Berger was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles and has suited up for several teams throughout his 15 seasons, most notably the Minnesota Vikings from 1996-2001. Twice named to the Pro Bowl, (1999-Vikings & 2004-New Orleans Saints) he was also named to the All-NFL team by the Pro Football Writers and Sporting News. In 2008, he added a championship ring to his resume as a member of the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
“Mitch’s career has been truly remarkable,” said Rick Christiaanse, Executive Vice-President of Sport BC. “From a stand-out athlete at North Delta Secondary School, he went on to become a premier punter in the NFL and a Super Bowl Champion. We’re excited to celebrate his achievements today and on March 31st.”
The Best of BC Award is determined annually by a selection committee of BC sportswriters, broadcasters, athletes, and amateur sports experts from all areas of the province. First awarded in 1992 to Larry Walker and again in 1997 & 1998, previous recipients have included Justin Morneau (2008, 2006) Joe Sakic (2001, 1996), Steve Nash (2006, 2005, 2002 & 2000), and Greg Moore (1999, 1995).
The award ceremony will be held on March 31, 2010 at the River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond, BC and is both the first sport recognition event following the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the longest standing sport recognition event in Canada. To join us in celebrating the excellence of BC’s amateur athletes, visit ticketmaster.ca. More information on the event can be found at www.sportbc.com
About Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS:
Sport BC’s Athlete of the Year Awards is the longest-standing sport recognition event in the country. Awards in 17 different categories are given each year to athletes, coaches, officials and volunteers based on their performance and contribution to sport in the province, with the introduction of 2 new awards in 2010 to celebrate the achievements of BC’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The awards play a valuable role in nurturing athletic success and recognizing some of BC’s growing talents. For a list of previous award winners and for further information on the 44th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, please visit www.sportbc.com.
About Sport BC:
A leader and an advocate for amateur sport across the province, Sport BC is a driving force in bringing healthy living and sport to the forefront for British Columbians. With a legacy stretching back over forty years, Sport BC continues to propel participation in organized sport provincially, bringing the power of sport to more than 650,000 sport participants and building strong, healthy individuals and communities.
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For more information, please contact:
Jessica Doherty
Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
Sport BC
T: 604.333.3422
E: jessica.doherty@sportbc.com
