Seven Coquitlam residents are being hailed as heroes by the federation for amateur sport in the province. For their selfless contributions as coaches, officials, mentors and administrators, furthering the cause amateur athletics in Coquitlam, Sport BC is honouring each of these folks with a Community Sports Hero Award at a ceremony in Coquitlam on Tuesday.
Bryan Gee
Currently a teacher at Riverside secondary, Bryan has been coaching volleyball in Coquitlam for more than 14 years. At Riverside, he has developed one of the best-rated girls' volleyball programs in B.C. and his AAA club recently finished second in the provincial championships.
Bryan has also instructed hundreds of girls with the Coquitlam Ducks where he has remained as coach for more than a decade. In addition, Bryan is recognized for providing a positive and fun athletic environment for female athletes in Coquitlam.
Jim Lacroix
Jim has worn several different hats with the Special Olympics BC organization over 20 years. From coaching swimming to snowshoeing to serving on the executive committee as Coquitlam's program coordinator, Jim is recognized for always going the extra mile to ensure his Special Olympic athletes have every opportunity available to them. Sport BC and Jim's colleagues acknowledge his strong work ethic, knowledge of sport and love for coaching. For those traits, he's been chosen to head up many regional and provincial teams with Special Olympics BC and is one of the most highly regarded volunteers with the Special Olympics in Coquitlam.
Teena and Steve Frost
Sport BC chose to recognize this Coquitlam couple for their commitment to teaching kids how to develop self-esteem through sports. The husband and wife team created an all-girls basketball group called "Just a Bunch of Girls" that focuses on skill-building both on and off the court. The pair have even started a basketball club for girls aged four to six, teaching the rules and fundamental skills of the game. Aside from basketball, Teena and Steve also coach Coquitlam soccer teams and have been strong proponents of youth fitness in schools.
Garry Hornsberger
Garry has been actively engaged in promoting the sport of archery at all levels of the game in B.C.
From coaching a club in Prince George, to serving on the sport's provincial board of directors and helping to form the B.C. Archery Association's Bowhunter Pin program.
Garry continues to be a driving force in youth archery development, supporting an evening program two nights a week at a Coquitlam club. Along with his wife, Garry was also instrumental in executing the archery component of the 2009 World Police and Fire Games in B.C.
Sue Williems
Sue has been volunteering her time as a figure skating judge for over 20 years. She has officiated at several stages of competition from beginner level to Canadian qualifying events. Sue's colleagues recommended her for the Community Sports Hero Award for her ongoing commitment to offer her own time to officiate at events and coach developing skaters in the Coquitlam area.
Don Hutchinson
Don has had a big hand in developing many fitness and sports organizations in Coquitlam and throughout Canada, including leading the Middle School P.E. Specialists Association for seven years and acting as a SportFit consultant and specialist for schools in the Tri-City district. From 1998 to 2007, Don served as a coach, sports coordinator, executive member and president of the Coquitlam Middle School Athletics Association. Don now serves as School District 43's representative for the Port Coquitlam Sport Alliance, with the goal of improving sports participation among youth. Don regularly hosts workshops for teachers and student teachers in Coquitlam and around the country teaching the importance of health and fitness for kids. Previous commendations for his work include the 2005 Provincial and National P.E. Teacher of the Year Award, the 2006 Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence and the B.C. Ministry of Education Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to Education in 2006 and 2007.
The Community Sports Hero Awards presented by Encana will be given out at a ceremony at Coquitlam's Executive Plaza Hotel and Conference Centre at the intersection of North Road and Lougheed Highway at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15.
