For Immediate Release – February 11, 2026
Vancouver, BC
Sport BC’s Presidents’ Awards presented by Sports With Balls (and a Rock!), celebrate the outstanding volunteers that make sport possible across British Columbia.
Behind every practice, competition, and community sport experience is a volunteer who shows up, often quietly, always consistently. Their leadership, generosity, and commitment shape safe, welcoming, and meaningful sport environments in every corner of the province. Each year, the Presidents’ Awards, presented by Sports with Balls (and a Rock), honour volunteers from Sport BC member organizations whose contributions go beyond expectation and whose impact is felt far beyond the field of play.
Thirty-Nine (39) recipients will be recognized in a special ceremony prior to Sport BC’s 58th Athlete of the Year Awards on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Sport BC is proud to celebrate the Presidents’ Awards recipients and extends heartfelt thanks for the time, care, and passion they continue to give to sport and to their communities across British Columbia. Thank you to the Sport BC members that submitted their volunteer for this recognition.
Sport BC Presidents’ Awards Recipients
| Sport BC Member | Recipient |
| Badminton BC | Donn Aven |
| Basketball BC | Kevin Kaardal |
| BC Archery | Viera Kopecky |
| BC Athletics | Darren Willis |
| BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association | Robert (Bob) Thiessen |
| BC Diving | Christine Frohloff |
| BC Fencing Association | Igor Gantsevich |
| BC Freestyle Ski Association | Regan Truscott |
| BC Games Society | Nadine Barbisan |
| BC Golf | Kathy Chen |
| BC Hockey | June McKenzie |
| BC Lacrosse Association | Harpreet Grewal |
| BC Netball Association | Dana Graf |
| BC Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics Federation | Evgeniia Prokopenko |
| BC Seniors Games Society | Bob Ewashen |
| BC Snowboard Association | Billy (BJ) Wilson |
| BC Soccer | John Charlton |
| BC Sport Cheer | Dawn Silver |
| BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum | Ross Wolrige |
| BC Wheelchair Basketball Society | Gerry Kripps |
| BC Wheelchair Sports | Bernie Hesmert |
| Boxing BC | Gowtham Mohan |
| Curl BC
Curl BC |
Keith Switzer
Al Kersey |
| Field Hockey BC
Football BC |
Kara Joyce
Matt Mercier |
| Horse Council BC | Jacqueline Pieters |
| I·SPARC | Corinne McKay |
| Judo BC | Ramon Rodriguez |
| Karate BC | Donna Gardecki |
| KidSport BC | Ronnie & Kathy Paterson |
| Pickleball BC | David Snell |
| Skate Canada BC/YT Section | Susan Morriss |
| Softball BC | Jason Ranchoux |
| SportMedBC | Marc Rizzardo |
| Squash BC | Shawn Zwierchowski |
| Swim BC | Naomi Smith |
| Triathlon BC | Andrea Damiani |
| Volleyball BC | Carol Hofer |
Thank you to the sponsors of the 58th Athlete of the Year Awards!
About Sports with Balls
Sports With Balls (and a Rock) is a collaborative working group of Sport BC members comprised of the following Provincial Sport Organizations: Basketball BC, Baseball BC, BC Lacrosse, BC Rugby, BC Soccer, Curl BC, Softball BC, and Volleyball BC. Sport BC is grateful for the continued support of Sports with Balls and their believe in celebrating volunteerism.
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 has the opportunity to thrive. Through our KidSport BC, BC Amateur Sport Fund, and BC Women & Sport along with our services Sport BC Insurance, and Payroll and Group Benefits; Sport BC supports our seventy plus member organizations. Keep up to date @SportBC
Athlete of the Year Awards
Thursday, March 5, 2026
@SportBC
#SportBC58thAOY
Media Contact
Allison Mailer
VP, Operations – Sport BC
[email protected]
778-839-8576
