On April 7, volunteers from a variety of sports were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and making their sport an incredible experience for all involved.

The 5th annual Cochrane Community Sport Volunteer Appreciation Awards hosted by Sport 4 Life were celebrated April 7, allowing the opportunity for sport groups to recognize their volunteers.

Multiple Olympic Medalist, Catriona LeMay Doan emceed the event sharing her successes and pitfalls of her amazing career as a speed skater. LeMay Doan took time to not only thank volunteers for their dedication to sport, but encouragement of all athletes and abilities.

The award ceremony recognized individuals in the following categories: Leader/Coach of the Year, Business Contributor of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Spirit of Sport, Volunteer of the Year, and Sport 4 Life Awards. The semi formal evening was a great opportunity to recognize many individuals who make their organizations what they are.

  • Leader/Coach of the Year: Steve Horton
  • Local Business Contributor of the Year: Scotiabank
  • Lifetime Achievement Awards: James McKeage
  • Spirit of Sport Award: Angela Sellwood
  • Sport 4 Life Awards: Teresa Hogarth (Jaguars Volleyball), Murray Stevenson (Cochrane Recreational Hockey), Karen Finley (Cochrane Minor Soccer), David Optland (Cochrane Minor Baseball), Joey Clarke (Bow Valley Rugby), Joyce Pearson (Cochrane Ringette), Lynette Lepan- Smith (Cochrane Minor Basketball), Brad Christensen (Cochrane BMX), Dave Agyeman (Cochrane Minor Hockey), April Hooper (Cowboys Wrestling)
  • Volunteer of the Year: Ron Sabo

This year boasted the highest number of sport group involvement with 11 different organizations putting forward nominees, shares Lea Wiens, Sport 4 Life, Chairperson. "In the past we have had more like 6-8 so it has really jumped up and nice to see the involvement from the sports groups."

Looking to the future, Wiens is hoping to see more sport organization involvement as the event continues to acknowledge those individuals that spend hours organizing, coaching, and fundraising for sports. Although nominations won't open until January 2018, that does not mean you can't start that process now.

"If your sport is ending in August, say it's a summer sport, there is no reason you couldn't do a selection process through your season and have it ready to go and just submit it once nominations open up."

Sport 4 Life was created to support sport organizations providing information on resources and services they may not have the time or the capacity to access. If you would like more information or to get involved with Sport 4 Life, head here.