Sport BC Announces Richmond Community Sport Hero Award Recipients

For Immediate Release – November 7, 2025,  – (Vancouver, BC) 

Sport BC recognizes the vital role volunteers play in amateur sport through its Community Sport Hero Awards. These awards honour volunteers from Sport BC member and partner organizations who demonstrate the spirit of volunteerism through years of dedication and commitment, enhancing their local community. 

The Richmond recipients will be celebrated during Sport BC’s Community Sport Hero Awards on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Vancouver Sheraton Hotel in Richmond, BC. 

Congratulations to the Richmond Community Sport Hero Awards recipients and thank you for all you do for amateur sport in Richmond. Sport BC thanks our member organizations and the local sport organizations in Richmond for submitting the nominations for these deserving and important volunteers!

Rob Newman, President and CEO of Sport BC, says:
“I applaud the exceptional recipients of Sport BC Community Sport Hero Awards. Each believes in the transformative power of sport and brings their skill sets and talents to the amateur sport organizations for which they have volunteered. Volunteering is the backbone of sport in British Columbia, and these recipients are inspiring examples of the exceptional people who make amateur sport possible in Richmond.” 

2025 CSHA Richmond Recipients 

  • Al Groff – Softball, Richmond Softball Association
    Al has dedicated over 25 years to volunteering, serving in numerous leadership roles including President of Richmond Girls Minor Softball Association and Executive Director of RSA. He has coached his daughter’s women’s team for more than 25 years, instilling a love of the game and mentoring countless athletes along the way. 
  • Katie Miyazaki – Football, Basketball, Wheelchair Basketball, BC Women and Sport
    Katie has spent 10+ years volunteering as an athlete, coach, and advocate, creating inclusive and accessible opportunities in sport. She has contributed locally and nationally, including work with Football Canada, BC Wheelchair Basketball, PacificSport Fraser Valley and Paralympic programs, inspiring athletes of all abilities. 
  • Les Pereira – Triathlon, Triathlon BC
    With over 25 years of involvement, Les has served as a provincial-level official, Board Chair of Triathlon BC, and later as Board Chair of Triathlon Canada. His leadership has helped grow the sport and support athletes at every level. 
  • Pheobe Lau – Special Olympics BC
    Since 2009, Pheobe has volunteered in numerous roles, from coaching youth programs to administrative leadership, making sport accessible and enjoyable for athletes of all abilities. 
  • Bob Jackson – KidSport Richmond
    Bob has been involved with KidSport Richmond for 17+ years, helping fund sport participation for thousands of children. In 2024 alone, he helped provide $165,000 in funding so 506 children could play, ensuring every kid has the opportunity to enjoy sport. 
  • Serj Sangara – Baseball, The Dugout Club
    Serj founded The Dugout Club in 2008 and has been involved in youth baseball for 36 years. He revitalized the “Just Play Ball” program, created a family foundation to support youth sport, and contributed to Richmond’s sports community as a board member of multiple organizations. 
  • Jag Bullar – Wrestling, Bhullar Wrestling Club
    Jag founded the Bhullar Wrestling Club 12 years ago, mentoring coaches, developing athletes, and revitalizing wrestling in Richmond and local secondary schools. 
  • Victoria Dengler – Wheelchair Basketball, BC Wheelchair Basketball Society
    Victoria manages the Vancouver Cable Cars wheelchair basketball team, organizes Hoopfest, and volunteers across programs and tournaments, promoting the sport with dedication, positivity, and energy. 
  • Tom Wilkinson – Curling, Richmond Curling Club
    Tom has contributed over 45 years to curling in Richmond, serving as an ice maker, board member, and volunteer at provincial, national, and world curling events. His commitment has strengthened the local curling community for decades. 
  • Kane Morishita – Judo, Steveston Judo Club
    With 25+ years of experience, Kane has coached and mentored athletes at the club and provincial levels. He has contributed to BC Winter Games, served as Interim Head Coach for Judo BC’s Athlete Development Committee, and supported judo’s growth across the province. 

About Sport BC
Sport BC believes in the power of sport and is committed to building stronger communities through positive sport experiences. Our goal is to enhance and support sport participation in British Columbia, ensuring everyone can thrive. Through initiatives like KidSport BC, the BC Amateur Sport Fund, and BC Women & Sport, as well as our services in insurance, payroll, and group benefits, Sport BC supports more than sixty member organizations. 

Stay up to date: @SportBC | #PoweringSport 

Media Contact:
Allison Mailer
VP Operations, Sport BC
[email protected] | 778-839-8576 

For questions about the event, please contact Stephanie Rudnisky at [email protected]Â