The people who make it all happen
The top sport volunteers in Hamilton were honoured Thursday at the 30th annual Sport Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.
More than 700 people, representing more than 60 sports organizations, gathered to celebrate the coaches, administrators, officials, youth, contributors and organizations committed to providing positive sport experiences for Hamilton residents.
The major Sport Volunteer Award winners were: Hamilton Hero Banner: William “Billy” Sherring. Ray Lewis Community Service Award: Chelsey Nash, United Family Martial Arts. Dr. Gene Sutton Club Excellence: Blessed Sacrament Yellow Jackets Basketball Club.
Ron Foxcroft Fair Play Award: George Popovic, MJ League / Hamilton & District Soccer Association Dr. Ray Johnson Coach of the Year Award: John Di Benedetto, Hamilton Wrestling Club United Trophy Volunteer of the Year: Dave Glover and John Wade, CANUSA Games
Jack Brown, the City of Hamilton recreation director, said, “Sport can strengthen our community by building trust and inclusion. “The work of these award winners helps support a positive life course for children by teaching them life skills and equipping them for the future.”
SportHamilton president Helen Downey said, “The job of the sport volunteer is many fold, however, one of the most valuable is being a dedicated role model to athletes, parents and others on how to work in a positive and selfless way, in making a difference in order for others to benefit and hopefully in the future they too can give back and continue the awesome work that these award winners have done for so many years”
The full list of award winners is available online at: hamilton.ca/city-awards/sportvolunteer-awards/sport-volunteer-awardrecipients