For Immediate Release – September 18, 2024 – (Vancouver, BC)
Sport BC recognizes the importance of volunteers in amateur sport. The significant role volunteers play in their community is celebrated through Sport BC’s Community Sport Hero Awards. The award is to honor volunteers from Sport BC member and partner organizations who demonstrate the spirit of volunteerism through the years of dedication and commitment they have given to their sport enhancing their local community. The Kamloops recipients will be celebrated during Sport BC’s Community Sport Hero Awards taking place on Thursday, September 19, 2024, in Kamloops, BC. Congratulations to the KAMLOOPS Community Sport Hero Awards Recipients and thank you for all you do for amateur sport in the Kamloops area.
Rob Newman, President and CEO of Sport BC says, “I applaud the exceptional recipients of Sport BC Community Sport Hero Awards, each believe in the transformative power of sport and are bringing their various skill sets and talents to the amateur sport organizations for which they have volunteered. Volunteering is the backbone of sport in British Columbia and these recipients are inspiring examples of the exceptional people volunteering to deliver amateur sport in Kamloops.
- Kyle Allan – Ice Hockey
- Scott Andruschak – KidSport Kamloops
- Katie Britton – Archery
- Marc Britton – Archery
- Dan Coombs – Wheelchair Basketball
- Claudio Klarich – Soccer
- Ashley Meier – Ice Hockey
- Murray Owen – Kamloops Sport Legacy
- Barb Warsimage – Softball
- Patrick Waters – Triathlon
Kyle’s commitment to the youth in Kamloops extends far beyond his duties as a teacher. Kyle has been a volunteer within Kamloops Minor Hockey for 18+ years, and previously played with the organization. His passion for the game and for nurturing young talent is evident in the countless hours he spends developing players’ skills through the Hockey Canada Skills Academy and coaching at the local level. Kyle demonstrates an extraordinary level of dedication to his community, and we thank him for his tireless efforts.
Scott Andruschak – KidSport Kamloops
Scott has been involved with KidSport for more than 20 years, getting directly involved with the local committee when he moved to Kamloops in 2007 and then assuming the role of chair in 2014. Scott has been leading the team of volunteers at KidSport Kamloops ever since. In 2023, KidSport Kamloops funded a season of sport for 285 kids in 25 different sports, distributing nearly $120,000 to cover the cost of sport registration fees. This was a 65% increase over the prior year when the chapter funded 173 grants. When faced with the challenge of this increasing demand, Scott mobilized to explore any avenue he could to increase fundraising to support kids in the community. We are proud to recognize Scott with this award and would like to thank him for all his efforts on behalf of KidSport Kamloops.
Katie & Marc Britton – Archery
Marc and Katie Britton became active in the Kamloops Target Sports Association, (KTSA), about eight years ago when the KTSA archery group at the time was a disorganized bunch of people that got together a few times a year and there was no real community. Marc and Katie began to build the group up to an actual club, where each member felt welcome and included.
In approximately 2 years’ time, the KTSA Archery Club, now the KTSA Bow Benders, was formed with the guidance of Marc and Katie. The archery division of the KTSA now brings in more annual memberships than all the other disciplines combined. Marc and Katie have also always been at the forefront of the annual KTSA Bow Benders 3D archery shoot in April. Last year, they set an attendance record with approximately 265 archers and hosted last year’s Provincials which had just under 200 archers in attendance. This year, 333 archers shot their courses, and they now boast the second largest outdoor 3D shoot in Canada. This could not happen without the knowledge, guidance, dedication, and overall leadership of Marc and Katie.
Dan Coombs – Wheelchair Basketball
It is not an overstatement to say that the Kamloops wheelchair basketball program would not continue to exist if not for the dedication, commitment and volunteer hours provided by Dan. The Kamloops team does not only just exist, but it thrives and has a positive impact on people from those new to the sport and needing an outlet to cope with difficult circumstances, to those with aspirations to continue to higher levels within the national program. Dan continues to take on the role of President of Kamloops Adaptive Sport Association, a thankless job that involves coordinating with other volunteers and being the main point of contact for every role in the organization. Dan goes above and beyond, dealing with many other matters well beyond the job description. Thank you, Dan, for all that you do for sport.
Claudio Klarich – Soccer
For well over 40 years, Claudio has served his sporting community as a coach, player, referee, mentor, and volunteer. Claudio epitomizes the core values of excellence, respect, and friendship in sport. His dedication, service, and selfless volunteerism to support opportunities for athletes to compete has allowed both community and high school soccer and basketball programs in Kamloops to thrive. Kamloops would not be able to live up to its title of Canada’s Tournament Capital without volunteers like Claudio who put in countless hours to prepare and carry out these great events. Claudio is a leader by example and deserves the recognition that he never seeks.
Ashley Meier – Ice Hockey
Ashley has been a volunteer coach within Kamloops Minor Hockey for 7+ years and as a former player, her impact as a role model to young women to continue to be involved in the game is second to none. Ashley’s impact extends beyond her immediate community, as she also contributes at the regional and provincial levels. Her extraordinary level of dedication and unwavering commitment to helping young women develop a love for the game is truly inspiring.
Murray Owen – Kamloops Sport Legacy
Murray has provided guidance and oversight on the activities of the Kamloops Sports Legacy Fund since its inception in 2008, as the President of the Kamloops Blazers Sports Society from 2007-2021, and subsequently continues as a director of the 2020 renamed Kamloops Sports Legacy Fund Society. He oversaw the sale of the Kamloops Blazers Hockey Club franchise and continued in his role to establish and support the Fund’s vision and goals. Murray has provided unwavering support for the Society and the community direction and benefits of the funding. His leadership has been vital to its success.
Barb Warsimage – Softball
Barb’s dedication to volunteering in sport without looking for recognition over the last 34+ years has had an incredible impact on her community. Barb was a long-standing volunteer and a builder of the Kamloops District Ladies Fastball League. As a Founding Board Member for PacificSport Interior BC for 30 years this November, Barb has provided oversight and knowledge for this Regional Centre. As the Founding Director and Board Chair for 19 years for the Kamloops Sports Council, Barb continues to provide her knowledge of sport. She also sits on the Kamloops Hall of Fame Committee as well, which adjudicates all nominations annually. Barb’s contributions have been immeasurable and appreciated by many.
Patrick Waters – Triathlon
Patrick has been a fixture for Triathlon for more than 6 years. As an athlete, coach, mentor and race director, Patrick plays a pivotal role in developing Kamloops’ sport community, and his upbeat enthusiasm and infectious, positive nature brings out the best in everyone. From working with Triathlon Club in developing events that include the BC Championships, to his pursuit of paratriathlon across the province and delivering coaching clinics, Patrick is always a team player and has the ability to overcome even the most challenging situations. His ability to tackle any project is inspiring.
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 sixty plus member organizations. Keep up to date @SportBC.
Community Sport Hero Awards Media Contact
Thursday, September 19, 2024 Allison Mailer
Tournament Capital Centre Sport BC, VP Operations
@SportBC allison.mailer@sportbc.com
#PoweringSport 778-839-8576
