As Sports BC gets set to kick off its Community Sports Heroes Awards with a banquet in Trail next month, the organization is calling on Greater Trail residents to nominate their own sports heroes.
Up to six people in each community is eligible for the prestigious award that recognizes volunteers for their contributions over the course of many years.
“We really look for people who have been involved with sport in the community for at least eight years, we look at the impact they have made not only in the community but to the sport and to the kids,” said Sport BC coordinator Carey Summerfelt.
As one of B.C.’s top sports towns, the area produces world-class athletes seemingly at will, but none of the athletes’ success is achieved without the support of volunteer referees, coaches, administrators and supporters.
A look at last year’s cast of deserving Community Sports Heroes, Joan McKenzie, Keith Smyth, Chris Buccini, Ron Joseph and Tony Pedrosa, is a good indication of the commitment and dedication required.
And this year, another Trail icon has teamed up with Sports BC to promote the Community Sports Heroes Awards.
“Sport BC has just formed a new partnership with Teck and part of that partnership allows Teck to choose communities they would like to visit,” said Summerfelt. “They chose Trail as their launch community because they have a strong presence in the community and wanted to give it the recognition it deserves.”
So far, the committee has only received two nominations from and for Greater Trail residents and has extended the nomination deadline to Feb. 3.
To nominate a prospective sports hero, go to sportbc.com/programs-and-events/community-sport-hero-awards/nomination-forms/
BC Sports criteria requires at least eight years of volunteer work in the local community and that the nominee be involved in sport specifically.
“There are a total of eight ceremonies planned throughout the year, the next stop is Delta and in April we visit Nelson,” added Summerfelt.
The ceremony in Trail goes Feb. 22 at the Terra Nova at 6 p.m. The event is free but people should RSVP by emailing carey.summerfelt@sportbc.com