Tessa Beauchamp named Harry Jerome Comeback Award Winner
Sport BC recognizes teen’s return to the court following battle with cancer
Richmond, BC – Sport BC announced today Tessa Beauchamp (Surrey, BC) as the Harry Jerome Comeback Award winner for 2010. The award, presented by Canadian Direct Insurance, recognizes a BC amateur athlete who demonstrated great perseverance in the face of adversity – a trait that epitomizes the story of the 17-year old basketball player.
Following a multi-year battle with cancer, Tessa returned to the basketball court this year to lead her team to a seventh place finish in the AA Girls High School Provincial Championships. She was later selected to participate in the U17 Provincial Team selection camp.
“Every year, the Harry Jerome Comeback Award recipient embodies the qualities that make sport so compelling,” said Tim Gayda, President & CEO of Sport BC. “Tessa Beauchamp is no exception. Through trying times at such a young age, Tessa has shown a power and conviction that is not only indicative of a great competitor and athlete, but also of a strong and courageous person.”
“I have been around basketball my whole life. This past year, I knew I could play, but my body wouldn’t let me. Now, basketball is fun again and I can just play and not think about anything,” said Beauchamp. “I am really honoured to even be nominated for this award and to win it means so much to me, especially after all the negative of the past year.”
“Canadian Direct Insurance is proud to be able to partner with Sport BC in recognizing Tessa’s incredible achievement in triumphing over adversity,” said Colin Brown, Chief Operating Officer for Canadian Direct Insurance. “Congratulations Tessa!”
On February 24, at the 45th Annual Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, Beauchamp will be honoured for her road back to sport alongside 16 other athletes, coaches, and officials who represent BC’s best.
The award ceremony will be held at the River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond, BC and is the longest standing sport recognition event in Canada. Previous Harry Jerome Comeback award winners include Emily Brydon (2003, Alpine Skiing), Silken Laumann (1992, Rowing) and Harry Jerome (Athletics) himself in the award’s inaugural year, 1968.
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. For a list of previous award winners and for further information on the 45th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS, please visit SportBC.com
About Sport BC:
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. We are the engine driving amateur sport in BC, inspiring participation and supporting its activation through the 64 Provincial Sport Organizations who bring sport to life in BC. For more information, please visit SportBC.com
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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
