Volunteers are the heart of our town and for a long time I wrote a column that singled out a special volunteer for recognition each week.

So on Wednesday November 6, it was a real pleasure to attend the Community Sports Hero Awards held at the Golf Course Clubhouse.

About forty people gathered to honour the eight recipients of this prestigious award.

Mr. Rob Newman, president and CEO, Sports BC opened the celebration by welcoming everyone and saying “Sport BC’s Community Sport Hero awards presented by Teck celebrate and honor sport volunteers in communities throughout the province. These volunteers are the lifeblood of continued development and delivery of sport programs in BC. Founded in 2001, these awards play an important role in recognizing the dedication and leadership of BC’s sport volunteers.”

Mr. Newman then introduced me and in my role as mayor I said the following, “It’s a pleasure to welcome Mr. Rob Newman, president and CEO of Sport BC, all honored recipients of the Sports Hero award and guests here this evening. I want to take this opportunity to extend Congratulations from Council and the City of Fernie to the Sport BC organization for their presence and leadership of 46 years. Their involvement has supported and motivated the growth of amateur sport in our province by instilling the belief that everyone can be an athlete.”

Congratulations also to Teck and Sports BC as they are celebrating 12 years of partnership with the Community Sport Hero Awards.

This is an important program that recognizes coaches, officials, mentors and administrators who have dedicated themselves to amateur sport at the community level.

Without the commitment of these individuals it would not be possible for communities to have the sports programs that are available for children.

The recipients of the awards were then called up and handed their trophies by Rob Newman.

Kay Chesley, Golf. Kay is in Bangkok playing golf said her friend Val Emond who accepted on her behalf. Kay has been volunteering at the Golf course for ten years in many capacities.

Phil Iddon, Hockey. Phil has been a driving force behind the Ghostrider Hockey Club in Fernie for numerous years. On accepting his award Phil said that he didn’t expect to receive this award and that there were many others more deserving and then pointed to Barb Anderson, Linda Moulton and Rose Mangone, also long-time volunteers with the club who were present.

Frank Lento, Hockey. For the many years Frank has been involved in all levels of hockey and who has also volunteered in countless ways in our community was also very humble in accepting his award stating that there are many volunteers more deserving.

Georgina McIntosh, Special Olympics. Georgina was one of the nominees for the recent Citizen of the Year award for her many years with this organization. Sixteen years of making sure the kids in this program have attention. Without her involvement it is a safe bet that this program might not continue.

Lyle Skaien, Skiing. Lyle has volunteered and been involved with the ski racing program for numerous years in different ways.

George Smith, Various sports. George is a retired teacher who continues to volunteer for the many sports he coached when he was still working.

Diane Stemberger, Skating. Diane has been involved in skating for over 25 years as a coach and volunteer.

John and Adelaine Traverse, soccer. For 20 years this couple has been coaching soccer and doing whatever needs to be done to keep soccer going in this community. In the acceptance speech John mentioned others who have been volunteering and then pointed to Dr. Susan Rohn who has now taken over reins of leadership in soccer.

These individuals are all deserving of recognition. All very humble in accepting the honor but for each one it is obvious that they contribute countless hours to the sport because they love the kids and want to help, they deserve this accolade and much more.

Having raised five children I understand the value of the time and energy they have committed for so many years.

As mayor I thank you for the many hours of dedication you put towards sport.

On behalf of Council and our entire town, Congratulations and thank you for everything you do, you truly are HEROES.