Sports BC is back seeking nominations for its Sports Heroes awards and, due to a dearth of entries, has extended the deadline from this Friday, Apr. 12 to Apr. 27.
Last May, Sports BC recognized 10 Greater Trail residents for their commitment to sport in their communities. But like the Kiwanis Sportsperson of the Year Award, or the various citizens of the year awards, we all become rather sheepish or just lazy when it comes to recognizing and nominating those people that make things happen.
Perhaps it is the nature of recognition and awards, where many if not most would prefer to fly under the radar, spurning plaudits like a passing plague. Volunteers would rather lay sod in a ball field in a rain storm, or agree to keep time at a curling championship than endure the praises of their peers.
Most volunteer because they are dedicated citizens, supporting their kids, friends, and their team, and devoting their time because they actually enjoy being a part of something that is a little bigger than themselves.
They often don’t consider that their efforts greatly enhances the quality and composition of an event, that it inspires others, and improves the community in which they live.
Ken Koshey did not ask for recognition when he was awarded the Sports Hero award last year or when his name was put forward for the Kraft Hockey Lives On contest.
And yet the result was something special.
A nomination by a single person mobilized and galvanized a select group of volunteers that encouraged us to appreciate and participate in an event that could only benefit the lives of young minor hockey players.
Even last year’s Sports Heroes - Koshey, Barry Zanier, Keith Smyth, Cliff Tyson, Katheryn Johnstone, Nicole Renee Lord, Tom Gawryletz, Ray Nelson, Fred Bushell, and Ryan Kuhn - were nominated in a similar manner, in a last-minute frenzy, that resulted in an unprecedented number of nominations that was further topped by a record turnout for the award ceremony at the Best Western Terra Nova.
It reflected well on the community and the award’s sponsor Teck, and in true form, all the recipients accepted their awards with grace and humility, recognizing that there are many other volunteers in Greater Trail that are just as deserving.
I can think of a dozen or more off the top of my head, whom I see at the various rinks (whether curling, hockey, or ice skating), ball diamonds, pitches, pools, gyms, schools, and dojos. So take a moment and nominate somebody - whether they like it or not - that makes living in Greater Trail a little more rewarding because of who they are and what they do.
When all is said and done, making the world a better place is the job of us all.
Go to sportbc.com to nominate a local sports hero.