Sport BC honours gold medal speed skater Denny Morrison with Community Champion Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Olympic record holder and gold medalist recognized for extraordinary contributions both on and
off the ice
Richmond, B.C. (February 17, 2011) – Sport BC named Olympic gold medalist Denny Morrison (Fort St. John) as the recipient of this year’s Community Champion Award for his significant commitment to sport and community building. The award, sponsored by BCLC, will be handed out at Sport BC’s 45th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards presented by TELUS on February 24.
As a world-class long-track speed skater, Denny has competed in many international championships, including the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver and the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino. Denny won the Olympic gold medal for Team Pursuit in 2010, and currently holds the track record at four different ovals around the globe.
Off the rink, Denny is an ambassador for KidSport and ActNow BC and makes many appearances in BC and Alberta in support of sport and healthy living. He is constantly involved in his hometown of Fort St. John, where he visits schools and meets with the local clubs to promote sport. In the summer of 2010, Denny coached at a speed skating camp for young athletes from all over BC, where he helped participants improve their skills and inspired them to do their best. Denny has also donated many personal items for auction to raise funds for local charities.
“With his continued contributions both on and off the ice, Denny has helped lay the groundwork for the next generation of BC athletes,” said Tim Gayda, President and CEO of Sport BC. ”Like those honoured before him, he receives this award for his tireless efforts as a true champion of sport and community building.”
“We’re proud to recognize Denny for the inspiring example he sets for athletes and members of the community,” said Jim Lightbody, BCLC Vice President of Lottery Gaming. “Denny joins an elite list of athletes whose contributions in sport are the benchmark of sports excellence in our province, and around the world.”
The Community Champion Award recipient is selected annually by a committee of BC sportswriters, broadcasters, athletes and amateur sport experts. Previous award winners include Trevor Linden (2007), Steve Nash (2008), and Emily Brydon (2009).
Join us in celebrating Denny Morrison and the excellence of BC’s amateur athletes at the 45th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards, presented by TELUS. More information on the event can be found at 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. 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
- 30 -
For more information, please contact:
Jessica Doherty
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Sport BC
T: 604.333.3422
E: Jessica.doherty@sportbc.com
