FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sport BC Celebrates 12 Community Sport Heroes at Vancouver Awards
VANCOUVER, BC — September 29, 2026 — Twelve outstanding volunteers were celebrated last week at the Community Sport Hero Awards – Vancouver, the third regional Community Sport Hero celebration held by Sport BC in 2026.
Held September 24, at the BC Sports Hall of Fame, the event recognized volunteers whose leadership has strengthened sport and created opportunities for athletes, coaches, officials and families across the region. Together, the 12 recipients represent more than 192 years of volunteer service to sport.
The Vancouver celebration follows regional events in Smithers for the Northwest Region and Vernon for the Okanagan Region, bringing Sport BC’s annual recognition of community sport volunteers to communities across the province.
“These awards shine a light on the people who make sport happen behind the scenes,” said Rob Newman, President and CEO of Sport BC. “Our Vancouver recipients have strengthened programs, supported athletes and built communities. Their impact reaches far beyond a single team or season.”
Established by Sport BC in 2001, the Community Sport Hero Awards recognize the accomplishments and service of volunteers who contribute to amateur sport throughout British Columbia. Each year, Sport BC works with its member organizations and sport partners to celebrate individuals whose contributions strengthen sport at the community level.
The 2026 Vancouver recipients represent softball, fencing, lacrosse, pickleball, squash, cheerleading, volleyball, figure skating and triathlon.
2026 Community Sport Hero Award Recipients – Vancouver
Baukje Edamura – Softball
For more than seven years, Baukje has strengthened softball across Greater Vancouver through leadership at the local, district and provincial levels. Her service includes umpire coordination, district leadership, advisory committees and the Softball BC Board of Directors. She is a strong advocate for safe, welcoming and inclusive opportunities for young athletes.
Lynn Seguin – Fencing
Lynn is a highly qualified fencing coach, evaluator, mentor and volunteer leader who has helped develop athletes and coaches in British Columbia and across Canada. Her service includes the BC Fencing Association Board, Gender Equity Committee, Canada Games planning, provincial championships, para fencing and Vancouver’s international Épée World Cup.
Chris Pinnell – Lacrosse
Since becoming Vice President of the Vancouver Minor Lacrosse Association in 2021, Chris has played a central role in the organization’s operations and growth. His work with arena scheduling, referees, tournaments and community events has helped rebuild Vancouver lacrosse and expand opportunities across age divisions, including for girls and young women.
David Nichols – KidSport Vancouver
David co-founded KidSport Vancouver in 2009, helping establish an organization dedicated to removing financial barriers to sport. Since 2012, the chapter has provided more than $2 million in registration support to more than 6,200 children. David continues to provide strategic guidance, mentorship and fundraising leadership.
Dr. Janet Martini – Pickleball
For more than five years, Janet has provided volunteer leadership to the Vancouver Pickleball Association as a board member, committee chair and President. She has strengthened governance, developed partnerships and advocated for more places to play, while supporting youth, inclusive and community-based programming.
Sharon Hoy – Pickleball
A retired teacher, Sharon created a youth pickleball program in East Vancouver elementary schools, providing teachers and administrators with the resources to introduce students to the sport. Her work grew into Activating Youth Pickleball in BC, which has introduced more than 30,000 kindergarten to Grade 7 students to pickleball.
Melanie Martens – Cheerleading
For more than six years, Melanie has volunteered as co-program director and head coach of UBC Cheer, helping expand opportunities for university athletes to compete and build community. She has supported national and international competition and advanced scholastic cheer through her leadership with BC Sport Cheer.
Dawn Silver – Cheerleading
Dawn has dedicated decades to cheerleading, beginning as a volunteer with the Renfrew Trojans and later helping build the sport in high schools, at Simon Fraser University and throughout British Columbia. A founding member of the provincial sport association, she has contributed through board leadership, provincial championships, equipment initiatives and equity, diversity and inclusion work.
Brenda Chinn – Volleyball
Brenda’s volunteer service spans volleyball, multisport events and several other sports. She has supported local clubs, Volleyball BC committees and Volleyball Canada, while contributing to major multisport and international events. Her experience and willingness to step forward have made her a valued volunteer throughout the Lower Mainland and beyond.
Joanne Nickel – Figure Skating
Since becoming an official in 2009, Joanne has contributed extensively to figure skating through judging, evaluation, mentorship and organizational leadership. She has served on the BC/YT Section Judges Committee, supported evaluator development and served as Director of Finance, while also contributing to Skate Canada committees and national competitions.
Donalda Meyer – Squash
For more than 20 years, Donalda has volunteered with the Vancouver Women’s Squash League, helping women discover the sport, remain active and build community. Her leadership of the summer drop-in league has supported participation and created a welcoming entry point for new players.
Keith Iwasaki – Triathlon
For more than two decades, Keith has contributed to triathlon in British Columbia through numerous leadership roles with Triathlon BC, including more than a decade as Secretary. He has also coached and mentored athletes with the Pacific Spirit Triathlon Club and served as a technical official at provincial, national and international competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
The Vancouver celebration also recognized Alison Noble of the BC Games Society, Debbie Pyne of BC Golf and Gabriel Assis of BC Soccer for their leadership and service to sport in British Columbia.
“This evening was about recognizing the people behind the programs, competitions and opportunities athletes experience every day,” said Judy Joseph-Black, Chair of Sport BC. “Our Community Sport Heroes have given their time in so many different ways, and together they represent an extraordinary legacy of service. We are proud to celebrate them and the communities they have helped strengthen.”
Sport BC’s 2026 Community Sport Hero Awards celebrations have provided opportunities to recognize sport volunteers across the province, with regional events held in Smithers, Vernon and Vancouver.
Sport BC thanks all of the 2026 Community Sport Hero Award recipients, as well as the families, friends, colleagues, nominators and sport organizations who support their volunteer work.
About Sport BC
Sport BC is the not-for-profit federation of amateur sport in British Columbia, representing Provincial, Disability and Multi-Sport Organizations across the province. For nearly 60 years, Sport BC has championed the growth of amateur sport through leadership, collaboration and programs that strengthen communities across British Columbia.
Through initiatives including KidSport BC, BC Women & Sport, the BC Amateur Sport Fund and the Community Sport Hero Awards, Sport BC helps remove barriers to participation, supports volunteer excellence and works to ensure more British Columbians have access to meaningful sport experiences.
To learn more, visit www.sportbc.com.
Stay connected: @SportBC | #PoweringSport
Media Contact
Allison Mailer
Vice President, Operations
Sport BC
[email protected]
778-839-8576
